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MD SB550
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/4/2026
Primary Sponsor
Nick Charles
Click for details
AI Summary
- Repeals the existing prohibition against a surrogate decision maker authorizing treatment for a mental disorder for a patient who has been certified as incapable of making an informed decision
- Retains the prohibition against a surrogate authorizing sterilization, which remains the sole restriction on surrogate decision-making authority
- Maintains the existing priority hierarchy for surrogate decision makers: guardian, spouse/domestic partner, adult child, parent, adult sibling, and qualifying friend or other relative
- Requires surrogates to base health care decisions on the patient's known wishes or, if wishes are unknown or unclear, on the patient's best interest, considering factors such as diagnosis, prognosis, expressed preferences, religious and moral beliefs, and past conduct
- Takes effect October 1, 2026
Legislative Description
Health Care Decisions Act - Surrogate Decision Making - Mental Disorders
Public Health
Last Action
Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
2/9/2026
Committee Referrals
Finance2/4/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available