S 154
An Act establishing guardians as providers of medical care to support the rights of incapacitated persons
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House
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Bill overview
This bill aims to allow guardians to directly provide medical care to incapacitated individuals. Currently, medical decisions are often made by healthcare providers, but this legislation seeks to empower guardians to play a more active role in their loved ones’ healthcare. The goal is to support the rights and well-being of those who are unable to make their own medical choices. It builds upon previous attempts to establish this framework.
Key provisions
- Designates guardians as authorized medical care providers for incapacitated individuals.
- Allows guardians to access and manage medical records.
- Establishes guidelines for guardians providing medical care.
- Recognizes guardians’ responsibility for ensuring appropriate medical treatment.
- Addresses the need for training and support for guardians in this role.
- Clarifies the scope of a guardian’s authority regarding medical decisions.
- Requires healthcare providers to cooperate with guardians in providing care.
- Ensures incapacitated individuals retain their right to refuse medical treatment.
Who is affected
- Incapacitated individuals
- Guardians
- Families of incapacitated individuals
- Healthcare providers
- The Department of Children and Families
Notable changes
- Expands the role of guardians in healthcare decision-making.
- Potentially reduces reliance on traditional healthcare providers for certain medical needs.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joan B. Lovely
Cosponsors
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Bill S.154 194th (Current)
An Act establishing guardians as providers of medical care to support the rights of incapacitated persons
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 154) of Joan B. Lovely and Vanna Howard for legislation to establish guardians as providers of medical care to support the rights of incapacitated persons. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Joan B. Lovely
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill S.154
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 6/3/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 9/11/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing |
| 1/29/2026 | Senate | Accompanied a study order, see S2931 |
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