Bill > HB4734

This bill amends a section of Michigan's Social Welfare Act to clarify the process for obtaining medical treatment consent when an individual is unable to make their own healthcare decisions. Specifically, the bill expands the list of people who can provide consent for medical or surgical treatment for someone who is not of sound mind or unable to make decisions for themselves. Instead of just relying on the nearest relative or person standing in loco parentis, the bill now allows consent from a patient advocate (designated under the Estates and Protected Individuals Code), a court-appointed guardian, or a surrogate designated by law. The bill maintains the existing principle that no physician, state officer, or department representative can compel an individual to undergo medical treatment against their wishes. It also preserves an exception for providing temporary first aid in emergency situations where obtaining consent is not immediately possible. The bill emphasizes individual autonomy in medical decision-making while providing a clear framework for representing individuals who cannot make those decisions for themselves.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4734