Bill > HB4418

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for designating a patient surrogate to make healthcare decisions when a patient is unable to do so themselves. The bill defines key terms such as "health care decision" and "surrogate," and outlines a detailed process for selecting and empowering a surrogate when a patient cannot make their own medical choices. The bill creates a priority system for selecting a surrogate, starting with previously appointed guardians or attorneys-in-fact, then moving through family members like spouse, domestic partner, adult children, parents, and siblings. The surrogate must sign an acceptance of authority that includes important limitations, such as not being able to make decisions that would result in the patient's death and not receiving compensation for their role. The bill also provides safeguards, including requiring surrogates to act in the patient's best interests, communicate with family members, and respect the patient's known treatment preferences. Healthcare providers are given guidance on documenting and communicating surrogate decisions, and the bill ensures that surrogates have access to the patient's medical information. Importantly, the bill specifies that individuals under certain legal restrictions, such as those with pending domestic violence charges, cannot serve as surrogates, and patients retain the right to disqualify potential surrogates at any time.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4418