This bill amends the "Estates and Protected Individuals Code" by adding a new part focused on surrogate decision-makers for health care. It defines key terms such as "attending health professional," "health care," and "surrogate," and outlines the conditions under which a surrogate can make health care decisions for a patient who is unable to do so. The bill establishes a hierarchy for surrogate selection, detailing the order of priority for individuals who may act as surrogates, and includes provisions for the disqualification of surrogates and the acceptance of authority by a surrogate.

Additionally, the bill mandates that surrogates must act in the best interests of the patient and adhere to fiduciary standards. It specifies that surrogates cannot make decisions that would result in the patient's death without explicit authority and outlines the responsibilities of attending health professionals in relation to surrogate decisions. The bill also repeals a section of the Social Welfare Act and stipulates that it will not take effect unless related legislation is enacted.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-2): 700.1101, 700.8206, 400.66
House Introduced Bill: 700.1101, 700.8206, 400.66