FL H0353

Creates a new "patient-directed medical order" (PDMO) under Florida law (s. 765.3041, F.S.), defined as a portable medical order created by a patient in collaboration with a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse that is accessible in a voluntary online registry and valid across all health care settings.

Requires the PDMO to be on a Department of Health-approved form, signed by both the patient and their provider, and based on an in-person discussion (which may use telehealth) about the patient's values and treatment preferences for withholding or withdrawing life-prolonging procedures; electronic signatures are permitted, and surrogates, guardians, or attorneys in fact may sign if the patient is incapacitated.

Shields physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and health care facility staff from criminal prosecution, civil liability, and disciplinary action for withholding or withdrawing cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other life-prolonging procedures pursuant to a valid PDMO or do-not-resuscitate order.

Requires the Agency for Health Care Administration to create and maintain an electronic database for voluntary storage of patient-directed medical orders at the patient's option.

Amends over a dozen Florida statutes governing hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, home health agencies, assisted living facilities, adult family-care homes, emergency medical services, and guardianship proceedings to incorporate recognition of and conforming references to patient-directed medical orders, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.