IA HSB161

Amends Iowa Code Section 144B.6 to change an attorney in fact's duty from strictly acting "in accordance with" the principal's desires to giving "preference" to those desires when exercising authority under a durable power of attorney for health care

Specifies that a principal's declaration under the life-sustaining procedures Act (Chapter 144A) shall not be interpreted as prohibiting withdrawal of parenteral hydration or nutrition or through intubation

Prohibits restricting the attorney in fact's authority based on the principal's desires expressed verbally to third parties or in other documents, unless the durable power of attorney explicitly states it is limited and includes those specific limitations in a separate section

Requires the attorney in fact to act in the principal's best interests, considering overall medical condition and prognosis, when the principal's desires are unknown