An Act improving medical decision making

This bill establishes a legal process in Massachusetts to allow qualified individuals, such as family members or friends, to make timely medical decisions for adults who are incapacitated and lack a valid advance directive or court-appointed guardian. The law defines specific criteria for who can serve as a surrogate decision-maker and outlines a priority order for selecting these individuals when no written instructions from the patient exist. Under the new provisions, surrogates must attempt to honor the patient's known values and wishes regarding treatment, but if those wishes remain unknown, they are authorized to make decisions based on the patient's best interests without needing to go to court. The legislation also clarifies that existing health care proxies and MOLST forms take precedence over this new surrogate process and limits the authority of surrogates regarding mental health facility commitments.