Bill > HB2720

This bill, known as the Kansas Surrogate Medical Decisions Act, establishes a clear order of preference for who can make healthcare decisions for a patient who is unable to do so themselves, a condition referred to as lacking "capacity" (the ability to understand healthcare options and make decisions). The hierarchy begins with a court-appointed "guardian," followed by an "agent" designated in a durable power of attorney for healthcare decisions, then a "designated surrogate" whom the patient personally informs their healthcare provider about, and finally an "identified surrogate" chosen by a supervising healthcare provider from a list of relatives and close friends if no one else is available. The act also defines various terms like "advance directive" (a written statement of healthcare wishes, such as a living will), "attending physician," and "healthcare provider," and outlines guidelines for healthcare providers on how to handle these decisions, including when they may decline to follow a surrogate's decision based on conscience or medical standards, and provides immunity from liability for those acting in good faith according to the act.

Justice

Judiciary (House)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2720/