This bill revises existing laws concerning health care proxy decision-makers by introducing the concept of a "trusted decisionmaker" designated by the patient. It allows patients to designate a trusted decisionmaker after being admitted to a hospital, ensuring that this designation is documented and witnessed by a third party. The attending health care provider is required to notify the patient's family of this designation and must attempt to contact the trusted decisionmaker before seeking other proxy decision-makers. The trusted decisionmaker remains in place until the patient completes a medical durable power of attorney, designates another trusted decisionmaker, or is discharged from the hospital.

Additionally, the bill establishes a hierarchy for selecting decision-makers when a patient lacks decisional capacity, prioritizing guardians and agents appointed in a medical durable power of attorney before considering other family members or friends. It amends existing definitions and rights related to patient care, including the rights of patients to have their trusted decisionmaker recognized in their care decisions. The bill also clarifies that certain notification requirements do not apply when a trusted decisionmaker is designated, streamlining the process for health care providers in such situations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_1(1): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_1(2): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_1(3): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_1(4): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_1(5): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_1(6): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_1(7): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_1(8): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_1: 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_2(1): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_2(2): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_2(3): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_2(4): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_2: 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_X(1): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_X(2): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_X(3): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_X(4): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_X(5): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_X(6): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_X(7): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_X(8): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_X(9): 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303
HB0825_X: 50-5-110, 50-5-1301, 50-5-1303