HB 588 Summary

• Establishes new "Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment" (MOLST) form procedures allowing physicians, physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to issue medical orders governing hospitalization, life-sustaining treatment, CPR, comfort care, antibiotics, and nutrition/hydration for patients with advanced illnesses.

• Reorganizes and renumbers existing DNR (do-not-resuscitate) identification and order provisions (sections 2133.21-2133.26 become 2133.21-2133.29), updates definitions, and allows MOLST forms to serve as basis for DNR identification.

• Permits certified nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants (under appropriate supervision or arrangements) to take actions regarding life-sustaining treatment decisions previously limited to physicians.

• Requires MOLST forms to be completed through discussion between healthcare providers and patients or authorized representatives; specifies that MOLST forms do not expire unless revoked and must accompany patients during facility transfers.

• Provides immunity from criminal prosecution, civil liability, and professional discipline for healthcare providers acting in good faith and in accordance with valid MOLST forms or DNR orders; prohibits conditioning insurance or healthcare benefits on possession or non-possession of such documents.