House Bill 616 Summary

• Transfers administration of the Health Care Directive Registry from the Secretary of State to the Department of Health and Welfare and establishes it as a web-based platform accessible 24/7.

• Allows individuals to register health care directives or revocations with the Department of Health and Welfare online or by mail, with registration fees capped at $10.00 (no fee for revocations).

• Upon registration, the Department assigns a unique identification file number and password, returns the original document to the registrant, and provides a wallet-sized card with identification information.

• Registry information remains confidential and accessible only to the directive's executor, legal representatives, and authorized medical personnel with file number and password access.

• Specifies that failure to register a health care directive does not affect its validity, and clarifies that the Department is not liable for claims arising from registry administration.