CT SB00897

Allows any person 18 years or older to appoint a health care representative by executing a signed document with two adult witnesses, effective July 1, 2023.

Requires residents of Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services facilities to have one witness unaffiliated with the facility and one witness who is a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed clinical psychologist with specialized mental illness training.

Requires residents of Department of Developmental Services facilities to have one witness unaffiliated with the facility and one witness who is a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed clinical psychologist with specialized developmental disabilities training.

Prohibits hospital operators, administrators, employees, or government agency employees financially responsible for a person's care from serving as health care representative, except if related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Prevents health care representatives from overruling a patient's documented or oral directions to withhold or withdraw life support systems unless the patient revoked those directions.