H 4329 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act improving medical decision making

H 4329 establishes a new legal framework for medical decision-making when patients lack capacity to make their own choices. It creates Chapter 201G defining key terms and setting a priority order for surrogate decision makers (spouse, adult children, parents, siblings), requiring them to submit a written, sworn declaration. The bill specifies criteria for selecting among eligible candidates - such as relationship, familiarity with the patient’s values, and availability - and prohibits certain individuals (like treating physicians or facility staff) from serving as surrogates. Additionally, it amends existing law to allow healthcare agents’ authority to continue for up to six months after a patient’s death with prior written permission.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jul 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jul 30, 2025 Last action Dec 4, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Dec 4, 2025
Committee
Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Jul 31, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on The Judiciary
lower
Jul 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
0 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.