The bill amends the "Estates and Protected Individuals Code" to enhance the provisions regarding patient advocate designations. It allows a patient advocate designation to include specific statements about the patient's desires concerning life-sustaining treatment, particularly if the patient is pregnant at the time the designation becomes effective. The bill clarifies that the patient's pregnancy status does not limit their rights regarding medical decisions. Additionally, it introduces a requirement for the proposed patient advocate to sign an acceptance of the designation before acting on behalf of the patient.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing language to permit patient advocates to make decisions about withholding or withdrawing treatment for pregnant patients, which was previously restricted. It emphasizes that a patient advocate must act in accordance with the patient's known desires and best interests, and it outlines the responsibilities and limitations of a patient advocate, including the requirement to follow the standards of care applicable to fiduciaries. The bill also maintains the patient's right to revoke the designation at any time and establishes that the designation is suspended when the patient regains the ability to participate in their medical decisions.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 700.5507, 700.5509