MA H4329

Allows a health care proxy agent's authority to continue for up to 6 months after the principal's death, if the principal gave express permission

Creates new Chapter 201G establishing a formal surrogate decision-making process for incapacitated persons who lack a valid health care proxy or guardian

Establishes a priority order for surrogate designation: spouse, adult child, parent, adult sibling, then any other qualified person who has shown special care and concern for the patient

Requires surrogates to make decisions based on the incapacitated person's known wishes (including religious and moral beliefs) or, if unknown, their best interests

Surrogate designation is effective only during the episode of treatment/illness or for 90 days, whichever is shorter, and terminates if the patient regains capacity or objects