Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes state procedures for Do Not Resuscitate Orders” (DNR order). The bill states that all individuals are presumed to consent to “cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest,” unless a DNR order is issued. An advanced directive is made by the patient or their agent (a person who is allowed to make the patient’s health care decisions if the patient is physically unable to) declaring that the patient does not want resuscitation. A physician decides that resuscitation is not necessary because the patient is near death and the agent is not present after the health care facility made efforts to contact the agent but was unsuccessful and that resuscitation is “contrary to accepted medical standards and would cause unnecessary harm” to the patient. Additionally, the bill explains that a health care provider does not face criminal or civil liability for not following a DNR order if they were “reasonably and in good faith” unaware of the order or believed the order was revoked or cancelled. If any physician or advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) refuse to follow a DNR order because of personal beliefs or conscience, they must immediately inform the patient or agent and make an effort to direct the patient to another physician or ARNP.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that revises the laws relative to living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care. Adds a uniform Do-Not-Resuscitate order, updates medical terminology and eliminates legal jargon in forms. Grants nurse practitioners the authority to help determine whether a person is “near death” and sign Do-Not-Resuscitate orders with a patient’s permission, and makes forms simpler by no longer requiring a notary or justice of the peace.