AR HB1533

Creates the Arkansas Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment Act, establishing a standardized, uniquely identifiable form with uniform color that converts a patient's healthcare wishes into immediately actionable medical orders recognized across healthcare settings.

Requires the State Board of Health to prescribe the form, which must indicate anatomical gift status and provide direction to healthcare professionals and emergency care providers regarding emergency care and life-sustaining treatment based on patient preferences.

Physicians shall complete the form when a patient has a terminal condition, life expectancy of less than one year, or requests the form; form is valid when voluntarily signed by patient or authorized person and countersigned by attending physician with date.

Healthcare professionals must comply with valid forms but may transfer patients unwilling/unable to comply; permits revocation at any time by patient or authorized person; prohibits withholding treatment if patient is pregnant and fetus likely to reach live birth.

Establishes penalties including Class C misdemeanor for violations such as forging, concealing, or coercing execution of the form; provides immunity from liability for professionals complying with valid forms; clarifies the form does not constitute physician-assisted suicide or homicide and does not affect life insurance policies.