MI SB0482

Establishes a hierarchy of surrogate decision-makers for incapacitated adult patients who lack a patient advocate or guardian, in priority order: spouse, adult child, parent, adult sibling, grandparent, close friend/relative, or two physicians if no family available

Requires two physicians (or a physician and psychologist) to determine in writing that a patient is unable to participate in medical treatment decisions before surrogate authority can be exercised

Prohibits surrogates from authorizing withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, sterilization, pregnancy termination, or admission to nursing homes, mental health facilities, or psychiatric hospitals

Requires surrogates to follow the patient's known desires and religious beliefs when making decisions, or act in the patient's best interests if preferences are unknown

Preserves existing advance directives including do-not-resuscitate orders, physician orders for scope of treatment (POST) forms, and patient advocate designations, which take precedence over surrogate decision-making