MS SB2854

Authorizes the Department of Corrections to petition chancery court to appoint the commissioner as guardian for incarcerated individuals lacking capacity to make health-care decisions and without available relatives.

Permits the Department to provide incarcerated individuals with forms to execute advance health-care directives and requires placement of directives in medical records and commitment reports.

Requires the Department to offer incarcerated individuals the opportunity to execute or alter advance health-care directives when a physician determines life expectancy is less than one year or certain medical procedures are planned.

Prohibits other incarcerated individuals and Department employees from serving as agents, guardians, or surrogates on health-care directives unless related by blood, marriage, or adoption, and prohibits them from witnessing power of attorney documents.

Amends Section 93-13-135 to authorize chancery courts to appoint guardians specifically to make health-care decisions for incarcerated individuals, with annual accounting requirements and cessation upon release or death.