MO HB2502

Adds eleven new sections (404.1100-404.1110) to Missouri law creating a framework for designating surrogate health care decision-makers when a patient is incapacitated and lacks a guardian, health care power of attorney, or other legal representative

Establishes a priority order for who may serve as designated decision-maker: spouse (unless separated), adult child, parent, adult sibling, grandparent/adult grandchild, niece/nephew or other relative, religious community member, close non-relative friend, or person chosen by unanimous agreement of the above

Requires two licensed physicians to certify a patient's incapacity and mandates that decision-makers act in the patient's "best interests," including advocating against discriminatory denial of care based on disability

Restricts withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration unless two physicians certify it would only prolong dying when death is imminent, or the patient cannot physiologically tolerate it; prohibits withdrawing care from pregnant patients

Allows health care providers to decline compliance with decisions that conflict with their religious beliefs or moral convictions, but requires them to facilitate patient transfer to a willing provider and continue care pending transfer