Bill > H4852

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for supported decision-making agreements, which are voluntary written agreements that help adults with disabilities or cognitive challenges make life decisions with the assistance of trusted supporters. The legislation creates detailed guidelines for these agreements, including who can be a supporter, what supporters can and cannot do, and protections against potential abuse. Key provisions include requirements that supporters must respect the decision-maker's preferences, act in good faith, and cannot make decisions for the person, only assist them. The bill mandates that a training program be developed by the executive office of health and human services to educate supporters about their rights and obligations, and requires consultation with various disability and healthcare organizations. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for educational institutions to inform students and families about support options when transitioning to adulthood, allows for the inclusion of supported decision-making agreements in legal proceedings like guardianship hearings, and establishes a special legislative commission to study potential online registries for tracking these agreements. The legislation also provides mechanisms for terminating agreements and protecting decision-makers from potential exploitation, with the ultimate goal of preserving individual autonomy and self-determination for adults with disabilities.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4852