Bill > S1133

This bill amends Chapter 201F of Massachusetts law to clarify and expand the provisions of caregiver authorization affidavits, which are legal documents that allow parents or guardians to temporarily delegate certain parental rights and responsibilities to a designated caregiver. The bill modifies the definition of a caregiver from someone "with whom a minor resides" to someone "who has been so designated by an authorizing party in an affidavit." It specifies that parents, legal guardians, or legal custodians can authorize a caregiver to exercise concurrent parental rights in areas such as education, healthcare, and recreational activities, with the understanding that the authorizing party's decisions will supersede the caregiver's in case of conflicts. The bill provides detailed guidelines for what a caregiver can do, including giving medical consent, accessing educational and health records, making educational decisions, signing permission slips, applying for insurance, and managing recreational activities. The legislation also establishes specific requirements for the caregiver authorization affidavit, such as including detailed contact information, signatures from witnesses and a notary, and a clear statement of the caregiver's authorized responsibilities. The affidavit will be valid for up to two years and can be reauthorized, amended, or revoked by the authorizing party.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1133