HB 19-1044 Summary

• Creates advance behavioral health orders (psychiatric advance directives) allowing adults to document their preferences for behavioral health treatment, medication, and alternative treatments before a mental health crisis occurs.

• Requires behavioral health orders forms to include the adult's personal information, treatment instructions, medication preferences, alternative treatment preferences, and optionally name an agent to make decisions on their behalf.

• Forms must be signed by the adult and two disinterested witnesses; forms are effective for two years and can be amended or revoked at any time by executing a new form.

• Health care providers and emergency medical personnel must comply with valid behavioral health orders forms unless the instructions would cause substantial harm to the adult; providers have immunity from civil or criminal liability for good-faith compliance.

• Prohibits insurance companies from denying, limiting, or charging different rates for life or health insurance based solely on whether an individual has executed a behavioral health orders form.