S.B. No. 178 Summary

• Establishes procedures for Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) forms to document patient treatment preferences regarding hospitalization, life-sustaining treatment, CPR, comfort care, and artificial nutrition/hydration

• Requires MOLST forms to be completed by physicians, physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners, or clinical nurse specialists for patients with serious illness or frailty; forms must be reviewed annually and expire one year and one day after signing if not reviewed

• Authorizes patients, guardians, or authorized representatives to revoke MOLST forms at any time; provides immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability for healthcare providers acting in good faith according to valid MOLST forms

• Expands do-not-resuscitate (DNR) procedures and modifies definitions of "emergency services personnel" to align with Chapter 4765 requirements; permits advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to take DNR-related actions under appropriate supervision

• Prohibits requiring individuals to obtain or revoke MOLST forms as a condition of insurance or healthcare benefits, and establishes a task force to conduct a five-year review of the MOLST program