H.F. 5169 Summary

• Allows health care directives to be executed using electronic signatures that satisfy statutory requirements for principal and authorized signatories.

• Permits notaries to verify electronic signatures on health care directives through remote online notarization in accordance with section 358.645.

• Defines "electronic signature" as signing a digital document that is created in electronic media, remotely witnessable, retrievable in perceivable form, and verifiable against alteration.

• Authorizes remote witnessing of health care directives before a notary or two witnesses through electronic devices that allow simultaneous sight and sound communication, with accommodations for hearing, vision, or speech impairments.

• Updates the scope of Minnesota's electronic signatures law (section 325L.03) to clarify that health care directive requirements are exempt from electronic signature rules but electronic records related to health care directives remain subject to other applicable laws.