AL HB168

Prohibits health care facilities and professionals from instituting a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) order for a qualified minor without written or oral consent from at least one parent or legal guardian, unless an Order for Pediatric Palliative and End of Life (PPEL) Care has been executed.

Requires physicians to inform at least one parent of intent to institute a DNAR order and make reasonable attempts to inform the other parent if reasonably available and has custodial or visitation rights.

Mandates that information regarding DNAR orders be provided both orally and in writing, with documentation in the patient's medical record specifying by whom and to whom information was given.

Allows parents or guardians to refuse DNAR orders in writing or orally, with refusal recorded in the medical record; no DNAR order may be implemented if timely refusal occurs except by court order.

Establishes court petition procedures to resolve conflicts between parents or guardians regarding DNAR orders, with a presumption in favor of providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation pending final determination.

Requires health care facilities and physicians to disclose in writing any resuscitation or life-sustaining treatment policies upon patient request.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.