NC H739

Permits health care powers of attorney to be signed in the presence of two qualified witnesses OR acknowledged before a notary public, rather than requiring both methods.

Permits advance health care directives (living wills) to be signed, witnessed OR proved by a notary public, providing flexibility in the execution method.

Authorizes the North Carolina Secretary of State to accept electronic filings of health care powers of attorney, advance directives, mental health treatment instructions, anatomical gifts, and HIPAA waivers in addition to hard copy documents.

Requires documents submitted electronically to the Advance Health Care Directive Registry to be notarized, assigns unique file numbers and passwords to all filed documents, and allows the Secretary to remove documents of deceased registrants upon written notification of death.

Takes effect October 1, 2023.