AZ SB1417

Agents under health care directives must encourage and allow reasonable contact between the principal and persons with significant relationships unless the principal's directive expressly authorizes restrictions.

An agent cannot limit, restrict, or prohibit contact without prior court approval unless the principal explicitly grants this authority in the health care directive.

Persons with significant relationships to the principal, the principal themselves, or agents may petition the court for contact orders, with the petitioner bearing the burden of proving a significant relationship exists and that the requested contact serves the principal's best interest.

Courts must consider factors including the past relationship, the principal's wishes (if mentally capable), health of both parties, history of domestic violence or abuse, drug/alcohol abuse, elder abuse registry status, and sex offenses when determining appropriate contact.

Courts may appoint attorneys, guardians ad litem, investigators, or physicians to evaluate the principal and may issue temporary protective orders limiting contact without notice if supported by medical evaluation and showing irreparable harm would result.