ID S1348

Clarifies legislative intent that the Medical Consent and Natural Death Act establishes an effective means of communication for patient wishes, but does not supersede other lawful methods of withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining procedures, provided no violations of section 39-4514(3) occur.

Revises section 39-4513 to specify that health care providers unwilling to conform to patient desires must make good faith efforts to assist patients in obtaining services from another willing provider, subject to requirements in section 39-4514(3).

Prohibits withdrawal or denial of assisted feeding or artificial nutrition and hydration if directed by a competent patient, valid health care directive, or surrogate decision maker, establishing heightened protections for these forms of care compared to other medical treatments.

Clarifies that the chapter does not authorize violation of subsection (3) when addressing futile care determinations, preventing discriminatory denial of care based on patient directives.

Maintains existing provisions regarding comfort care, presumed consent to CPR, portability of POST forms across care settings, and registration of directives with the secretary of state.