An Act relative to health care proxy reform

This bill amends Massachusetts law to establish a specific order of priority for making health care decisions when a person lacks capacity and has not appointed a health care agent. Under the new rules, decisions would be made by the spouse, adult children, parents, adult siblings, or other close relatives who have shown special care and maintained regular contact. The legislation also adds restrictions preventing individuals with certain criminal convictions or pending investigations related to serious bodily injury or neglect from serving as default decision-makers. These changes aim to ensure that medical choices reflect the patient's wishes or best interests while protecting vulnerable adults from potential abuse.