The bill amends the "Estates and Protected Individuals Code" by updating sections 5507 and 5509 to clarify the powers and limitations of patient advocates. Notably, it allows a patient advocate designation to include a statement regarding the patient's desires for life-sustaining treatment if the patient is pregnant at the time the designation becomes effective. This amendment ensures that a patient's pregnancy status does not limit their rights to express their wishes regarding medical treatment. Additionally, the bill removes the previous restriction that prohibited patient advocates from making medical treatment decisions that could result in the death of a pregnant patient, thereby allowing for more nuanced decision-making in such circumstances.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the responsibilities of patient advocates to act in accordance with the patient's known desires and to follow the standards of care applicable to fiduciaries. It also clarifies that a patient advocate may make decisions regarding withholding or withdrawing treatment only if the patient has clearly expressed such authority. The amendments aim to enhance the autonomy of patients in making healthcare decisions while ensuring that patient advocates operate within defined ethical and legal boundaries.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 700.5507, 700.5509
As Passed by the Senate: 700.5507, 700.5509