SB0109 Summary

• Expands the definition of "qualified health care practitioner" to include advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and residents with one year of graduate training, in addition to physicians, for certifying qualifying conditions and patient decisional capacity.

• Allows surrogate decision makers to execute POLST (Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) portable medical orders forms consistent with the Health Care Surrogate Act.

• Requires surrogate decision makers to consult with qualified health care practitioners and review advance directives before voiding or revoking POLST forms, and mandates documentation of reasons in the patient's medical record.

• Clarifies that POLST form execution is voluntary and cannot be required as a condition of facility admission or health care services, and allows recognition of out-of-state POLST forms and DNR orders.

• Protects health care professionals and providers from criminal or civil liability when acting in good faith compliance with POLST forms, CPR orders, or life-sustaining treatment orders, except in cases of willful and wanton misconduct.