Bill > H1664

This bill aims to improve medical decision-making during periods of incapacity. It defines key terms, such as "available," "attending physician," and "incapacitated person," and establishes a process for surrogate decision-making when there is no valid advance directive or guardian. The bill outlines the order of priority for selecting a surrogate, who must be an adult with special care and concern for the person, familiarity with their values, and availability. It also provides protections for healthcare providers who rely on the surrogate's decisions and the surrogate themselves, as long as they act with due care. The bill allows for disputes to be resolved through a special court proceeding, including the removal of a surrogate or overriding their decision.