Bill > HB4419

This bill amends Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to provide legal protections and guidelines for health care decision-making involving patient advocates and surrogates. Under the proposed legislation, health care providers are shielded from civil, criminal, and professional liability when they act in good faith while following a health care decision made by someone who appears to have the authority to make such decisions for a patient. Similarly, individuals serving as patient advocates, guardians, or surrogates are protected from liability when making health care decisions in good faith. The bill also establishes specific penalties for intentional violations: health care providers who deliberately violate the law could be liable for $1,000 or actual damages, whichever is greater, and individuals who fraudulently interfere with a patient's advocacy designation could be subject to $2,500 or actual damages, plus reasonable attorney fees. The bill is tied to another pending legislation and will only take effect if that companion bill is also enacted into law, ensuring coordinated implementation of these new patient advocacy protections.