Bill > S0566

This bill introduces a new type of medical order called a "patient-directed medical order" that allows patients to collaborate with healthcare providers to create a portable, electronic medical order specifying their treatment preferences, particularly regarding life-prolonging procedures. The bill defines this order as a medical document created jointly by a patient and a qualified healthcare professional (physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse) that can be stored in an online registry and used across different healthcare settings. Key provisions include allowing patients to specify their wishes about medical interventions, such as withholding or withdrawing life-prolonging procedures, and establishing protections for healthcare providers who follow these orders. The bill also clarifies that even if a patient chooses to limit life-prolonging procedures, necessary health care services must still be provided to ensure the patient's comfort and pain management. Additionally, the legislation requires the creation of a voluntary, electronic database managed by the Agency for Health Care Administration to store these patient-directed medical orders, making them easily accessible in different medical environments. The bill aims to expand patient autonomy in end-of-life care decisions while providing clear legal guidelines for healthcare providers in implementing those decisions.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/566