Bill > S1221

This bill establishes a secure, web-based registry, referred to as the "registry," managed by the commissioner, where individuals, known as "principals," can submit their "advance directives." An advance directive is defined broadly to include documents like living wills, durable powers of attorney for healthcare, and instructions regarding healthcare desires, disposition of remains, and other end-of-life wishes. The registry will be accessible to principals, their designated agents, healthcare providers, facilities, court officials, and those involved in arranging for the disposition of remains, but only for purposes related to healthcare decision-making or disposition of remains, with strict confidentiality for statistical use. The commissioner will also create sample advance directive forms and provide information on the department's website, and healthcare providers will be required to check the registry upon admission or service provision. Additionally, the bill mandates that a symbol be placed on driver's licenses or identity cards to indicate if a person has an advance directive in the registry, and that information about the registry be included on organ donor registration forms. Certain provisions of the bill will take effect by December 31, 2016, with other sections related to the license symbol taking effect on January 1, 2018.