Bill > SB71

This bill amends the Health Care Decisions Act to allow a patient care consulting committee, which is a committee organized by a healthcare facility to consult on health care issues and includes at least one physician, one nurse, and one social services provider, to make health care decisions for a patient who is incapable of making informed decisions when no next of kin or other authorized person is reasonably available. The bill clarifies that this committee should act as the patient's advocate and not represent the facility's interests, and its decisions must be documented and reach consensus with a quorum present. It also specifies procedures for authorizing care plans, subsequent interventions, and decisions to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment, while ensuring that emergency interventions are still permitted. The bill also makes minor changes to the definition of "sibling" and the process for handling patient protests.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB71