The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to introduce the concept of "patient-directed medical orders," which are collaboratively created by patients and healthcare providers to specify treatment preferences in advance. This legal framework ensures that patients' wishes regarding life-prolonging procedures are respected and establishes requirements for these orders, including the necessity for signatures from both the patient and their healthcare provider. The bill also allows for the use of telehealth in executing these orders and mandates that necessary healthcare services be provided to patients regardless of their decisions about life-prolonging treatments.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the circumstances under which emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and facility staff can withhold or withdraw life-prolonging procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It expands the legal protections for these professionals when acting in accordance with patient-directed medical orders and orders not to resuscitate (DNR). The Agency for Health Care Administration is tasked with creating a database for storing these orders, ensuring their accessibility across healthcare settings. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and aims to enhance patient autonomy while providing legal safeguards for healthcare providers.

Statutes affected:
H 369 Filed: 765.102, 395.1041, 400.142, 400.487, 400.605, 400.6095, 400.611, 401.35, 429.255, 429.73, 752.001, 765.204, 765.205, 765.305