Bill > HR5861

This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to seek an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study on creating a national system for storing and retrieving "last wish documents" at no cost to individuals. Last wish documents are defined broadly to include advance directives, organ donor registrations, healthcare proxies, powers of attorney, and living wills. The proposed study aims to establish a confidential and secure electronic storage system that would allow authorized agents to access these important personal documents. The National Academies would be required to submit a status report to the Secretary and Congress within two years of the Act's enactment and a full study results report within four years. The bill, known as the "Legacy Act of 2025," seeks to create a standardized, centralized method for individuals to securely store and easily retrieve critical end-of-life and medical decision-making documents, potentially simplifying healthcare planning and ensuring individuals' wishes are respected.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5861/all-info