SB 6589-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/19/02)

     Declares that a person with capacity has the ability to control decisions relating to his or her own mental health care.

     Recognizes that a mental health advance directive can be an essential tool for a person to express his or her choices before the effects of mental illness deprive the person of the power to express his or her instructions and preferences for mental health treatment.

     Affirms that, pursuant to other provisions of law, a mental health advance directive created under this act should be respected by medical and mental health professionals, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, and other surrogate decision makers acting on behalf of the person who created it.