Bill > H0353

This bill introduces a comprehensive framework for patient-directed medical orders in Florida, establishing a new type of advance directive that allows patients to create portable medical orders specifying their treatment preferences, particularly regarding life-prolonging procedures. The bill defines a patient-directed medical order as a medical order created collaboratively between a patient and a healthcare professional (physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse) that can be used across different healthcare settings. Key provisions include allowing these orders to be created through in-person or telehealth discussions, permitting patients or their legal representatives to specify preferences ranging from full treatments to comfort-only care, and providing legal protection for healthcare providers who follow these orders. The bill also requires healthcare facilities to inform patients about their rights regarding advance directives and patient-directed medical orders, and mandates the Agency for Health Care Administration to create an optional electronic database for storing these orders. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that necessary health care services must be provided for patient comfort and pain management, regardless of decisions about life-prolonging procedures. The legislation aims to give patients more control over their end-of-life care while providing clear guidelines and legal protections for healthcare providers implementing these wishes.

Health and Social Services

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/353