An Act relative to health care proxy reform
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to reform the process for establishing and utilizing health care proxies in Massachusetts. It seeks to clarify and streamline the procedures involved in appointing a health care agent and ensuring that the agent’s decisions align with the patient’s wishes. The legislation intends to improve clarity and accessibility for both patients and their designated agents, ultimately strengthening patient autonomy in healthcare decisions.
Key provisions
- Clarifies the process for appointing a health care agent.
- Specifies the agent’s responsibilities and authority.
- Addresses the form and content requirements for health care proxy documents.
- Ensures that health care proxies are easily accessible to healthcare providers.
- Updates procedures for revocation or amendment of health care proxies.
- Requires healthcare providers to promptly review and act upon health care proxies.
- Addresses the process for substituting a health care agent.
- Provides guidance on how to document patient preferences.
Who is affected
- Patients
- Health care agents
- Healthcare providers
- Families of patients
- Legal professionals
Notable changes
- Updates existing procedures for health care proxy creation and utilization.
- May include standardized forms or templates for health care proxies.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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3 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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