The bill amends the "Estates and Protected Individuals Code" to enhance the provisions regarding patient advocate designations. It allows for a patient advocate designation to include specific statements about a patient's desires concerning care, custody, medical treatment, and mental health treatment, particularly in relation to life-sustaining treatment if the patient is pregnant. The bill clarifies that a patient advocate can make decisions regarding anatomical gifts and outlines the necessary steps for implementing a patient advocate designation, including the requirement for the proposed advocate to sign an acceptance of the designation.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing limitations on patient advocates, specifically removing the prohibition against making medical treatment decisions that could result in the death of a pregnant patient. Instead, it allows patient advocates to direct life-sustaining treatment preferences for pregnant patients. The bill also emphasizes the importance of following the patient's known desires and instructions while ensuring that the patient retains the right to revoke the designation at any time. Overall, these amendments aim to provide clearer guidelines and protections for patients and their advocates in making critical health care decisions.

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