The Florida Senate

CHAPTER 765

HEALTH CARE ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS (ss. 765.101-765.113)

PART II

HEALTH CARE SURROGATE (ss. 765.201-765.205)

PART III

LIFE-PROLONGING PROCEDURES (ss. 765.301-765.309)

PART IV

ABSENCE OF ADVANCE DIRECTIVE (ss. 765.401, 765.404)

PART V

ANATOMICAL GIFTS (ss. 765.510-765.522)

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

765.101  Definitions.

765.102  Legislative findings and intent.

765.103  Existing advance directives.

765.104  Amendment or revocation.

765.105  Review of surrogate or proxy's decision.

765.106  Preservation of existing rights.

765.107  Construction.

765.108  Effect with respect to insurance.

765.109  Immunity from liability; weight of proof; presumption.

765.110  Health care facilities and providers; discipline.

765.1103  Pain management and palliative care.

765.1105  Transfer of a patient.

765.1115  Falsification, forgery, or willful concealment, cancellation, or destruction of directive or revocation or amendment; penalties.

765.112  Recognition of advance directive executed in another state.

765.113  Restrictions on providing consent.

765.101  Definitions.--As used in this chapter:

(1)  "Advance directive" means a witnessed written document or oral statement in which instructions are given by a principal or in which the principal's desires are expressed concerning any aspect of the principal's health care, and includes, but is not limited to, the designation of a health care surrogate, a living will, or an anatomical gift made pursuant to part X of chapter 732.

(2)  "Attending physician" means the primary physician who has responsibility for the treatment and care of the patient.

(3)  "Close personal friend" means any person 18 years of age or older who has exhibited special care and concern for the patient, and who presents an affidavit to the health care facility or to the attending or treating physician stating that he or she is a friend of the patient; is willing and able to become involved in the patient's health care; and has maintained such regular contact with the patient so as to be familiar with the patient's activities, health, and religious or moral beliefs.

(4)  "End-stage condition" means an irreversible condition that is caused by injury, disease, or illness which has resulted in progressively severe and permanent deterioration, and which, to a reasonable degree of medical probability, treatment of the condition would be ineffective.

(5)  "Health care decision" means:

(a)  Informed consent, refusal of consent, or withdrawal of consent to any and all health care, including life-prolonging procedures.

(b)  The decision to apply for private, public, government, or veterans' benefits to defray the cost of health care.

(c)  The right of access to all records of the principal reasonably necessary for a health care surrogate to make decisions involving health care and to apply for benefits.

(d)  The decision to make an anatomical gift pursuant to part X of chapter 732.

(6)  "Health care facility" means a hospital, nursing home, hospice, home health agency, or health maintenance organization licensed in this state, or any facility subject to part I of chapter 394.

(7)  "Health care provider" or "provider" means any person licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized by law to administer health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession.

(8)  "Incapacity" or "incompetent" means the patient is physically or mentally unable to communicate a willful and knowing health care decision. For the purposes of making an anatomical gift, the term also includes a patient who is deceased.

(9)  "Informed consent" means consent voluntarily given by a person after a sufficient explanation and disclosure of the subject matter involved to enable that person to have a general understanding of the treatment or procedure and the medically acceptable alternatives, including the substantial risks and hazards inherent in the proposed treatment or procedures, and to make a knowing health care decision without coercion or undue influence.

(10)  "Life-prolonging procedure" means any medical procedure, treatment, or intervention, including artificially provided sustenance and hydration, which sustains, restores, or supplants a spontaneous vital function. The term does not include the administration of medication or performance of medical procedure, when such medication or procedure is deemed necessary to provide comfort care or to alleviate pain.

(11)  "Living will" or "declaration" means:

(a)  A witnessed document in writing, voluntarily executed by the principal in accordance with s. 765.302; or

(b)  A witnessed oral statement made by the principal expressing the principal's instructions concerning life-prolonging procedures.

(12)  "Persistent vegetative state" means a permanent and irreversible condition of unconsciousness in which there is:

(a)  The absence of voluntary action or cognitive behavior of any kind.

(b)  An inability to communicate or interact purposefully with the environment.

(13)  "Physician" means a person licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459.

(14)  "Principal" means a competent adult executing an advance directive and on whose behalf health care decisions are to be made.

(15)  "Proxy" means a competent adult who has not been expressly designated to make health care decisions for a particular incapacitated individual, but who, nevertheless, is authorized pursuant to s. 765.401 to make health care decisions for such individual.

(16)  "Surrogate" means any competent adult expressly designated by a principal to make health care decisions on behalf of the principal upon the principal's incapacity.

(17)  "Terminal condition" means a condition caused by injury, disease, or illness from which there is no reasonable medical probability of recovery and which, without treatment, can be expected to cause death.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199; s. 3, ch. 94-183; s. 46, ch. 96-169; s. 16, ch. 99-331; s. 3, ch. 2001-250; s. 131, ch. 2001-277.

765.102  Legislative findings and intent.--

(1)  The Legislature finds that every competent adult has the fundamental right of self-determination regarding decisions pertaining to his or her own health, including the right to choose or refuse medical treatment. This right is subject to certain interests of society, such as the protection of human life and the preservation of ethical standards in the medical profession.

(2)  To ensure that such right is not lost or diminished by virtue of later physical or mental incapacity, the Legislature intends that a procedure be established to allow a person to plan for incapacity by executing a document or orally designating another person to direct the course of his or her medical treatment upon his or her incapacity. Such procedure should be less expensive and less restrictive than guardianship and permit a previously incapacitated person to exercise his or her full right to make health care decisions as soon as the capacity to make such decisions has been regained.

(3)  The Legislature recognizes that for some the administration of life-prolonging medical procedures may result in only a precarious and burdensome existence. In order to ensure that the rights and intentions of a person may be respected even after he or she is no longer able to participate actively in decisions concerning himself or herself, and to encourage communication among such patient, his or her family, and his or her physician, the Legislature declares that the laws of this state recognize the right of a competent adult to make an advance directive instructing his or her physician to provide, withhold, or withdraw life-prolonging procedures, or to designate another to make the treatment decision for him or her in the event that such person should become incapacitated and unable to personally direct his or her medical care.

(4)  The Legislature recognizes the need for all health care professionals to rapidly increase their understanding of end-of-life and palliative care. Therefore, the Legislature encourages the professional regulatory boards to adopt appropriate standards and guidelines regarding end-of-life care and pain management and encourages educational institutions established to train health care professionals and allied health professionals to implement curricula to train such professionals to provide end-of-life care, including pain management and palliative care.

(5)  For purposes of this chapter:

(a)  Palliative care is the comprehensive management of the physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and existential needs of patients. Palliative care is especially suited to the care of persons who have incurable, progressive illnesses.

(b)  Palliative care must include:

1.  An opportunity to discuss and plan for end-of-life care.

2.  Assurance that physical and mental suffering will be carefully attended to.

3.  Assurance that preferences for withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining interventions will be honored.

4.  Assurance that the personal goals of the dying person will be addressed.

5.  Assurance that the dignity of the dying person will be a priority.

6.  Assurance that health care providers will not abandon the dying person.

7.  Assurance that the burden to family and others will be addressed.

8.  Assurance that advance directives for care will be respected regardless of the location of care.

9.  Assurance that organizational mechanisms are in place to evaluate the availability and quality of end-of-life, palliative, and hospice care services, including the evaluation of administrative and regulatory barriers.

10.  Assurance that necessary health care services will be provided and that relevant reimbursement policies are available.

11.  Assurance that the goals expressed in subparagraphs 1.-10. will be accomplished in a culturally appropriate manner.

(6)  The Department of Elderly Affairs, the Agency for Health Care Administration, and the Department of Health shall jointly create a campaign on end-of-life care for purposes of educating the public. This campaign should include culturally sensitive programs to improve understanding of end-of-life care issues in minority communities.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199; s. 1144, ch. 97-102; s. 17, ch. 99-331; s. 7, ch. 2000-295; s. 4, ch. 2001-250; ss. 132, 133, ch. 2001-277.

765.103  Existing advance directives.--Any advance directive made prior to October 1, 1999, shall be given effect as executed, provided such directive was legally effective when written.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199; s. 18, ch. 99-331.

765.104  Amendment or revocation.--

(1)  An advance directive or designation of a surrogate may be amended or revoked at any time by a competent principal:

(a)  By means of a signed, dated writing;

(b)  By means of the physical cancellation or destruction of the advance directive by the principal or by another in the principal's presence and at the principal's direction;

(c)  By means of an oral expression of intent to amend or revoke; or

(d)  By means of a subsequently executed advance directive that is materially different from a previously executed advance directive.

(2)  Unless otherwise provided in the advance directive or in an order of dissolution or annulment of marriage, the dissolution or annulment of marriage of the principal revokes the designation of the principal's former spouse as a surrogate.

(3)  Any such amendment or revocation will be effective when it is communicated to the surrogate, health care provider, or health care facility. No civil or criminal liability shall be imposed upon any person for a failure to act upon an amendment or revocation unless that person has actual knowledge of such amendment or revocation.

(4)  Any patient for whom a medical proxy has been recognized under s. 765.401 and for whom any previous legal disability that precluded the patient's ability to consent is removed may amend or revoke the recognition of the medical proxy and any uncompleted decision made by that proxy. The amendment or revocation takes effect when it is communicated to the proxy, the health care provider, or the health care facility in writing or, if communicated orally, in the presence of a third person.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199; s. 47, ch. 96-169; s. 19, ch. 99-331; s. 12, ch. 2002-195.

765.105  Review of surrogate or proxy's decision.--The patient's family, the health care facility, or the attending physician, or any other interested person who may reasonably be expected to be directly affected by the surrogate or proxy's decision concerning any health care decision may seek expedited judicial intervention pursuant to rule 5.900 of the Florida Probate Rules, if that person believes:

(1)  The surrogate or proxy's decision is not in accord with the patient's known desires or the provisions of this chapter;

(2)  The advance directive is ambiguous, or the patient has changed his or her mind after execution of the advance directive;

(3)  The surrogate or proxy was improperly designated or appointed, or the designation of the surrogate is no longer effective or has been revoked;

(4)  The surrogate or proxy has failed to discharge duties, or incapacity or illness renders the surrogate or proxy incapable of discharging duties;

(5)  The surrogate or proxy has abused powers; or

(6)  The patient has sufficient capacity to make his or her own health care decisions.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199; s. 4, ch. 94-183.

765.106  Preservation of existing rights.--The provisions of this chapter are cumulative to the existing law regarding an individual's right to consent, or refuse to consent, to medical treatment and do not impair any existing rights or responsibilities which a health care provider, a patient, including a minor, competent or incompetent person, or a patient's family may have under the common law, Federal Constitution, State Constitution, or statutes of this state.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199; s. 5, ch. 94-183.

765.107  Construction.--

(1)  This chapter shall not be construed to repeal by implication any provision of s. 766.103, the Florida Medical Consent Law. For all purposes, the Florida Medical Consent Law shall be considered an alternative to provisions of this section.

(2)  Procedures provided in this chapter permitting the withholding or withdrawal of life-prolonging procedures do not apply to a person who never had capacity to designate a health care surrogate or execute a living will.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199; s. 20, ch. 99-331.

765.108  Effect with respect to insurance.--The making of an advance directive pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall not affect the sale, procurement, or issuance of any policy of life insurance, nor shall such making of an advance directive be deemed to modify the terms of an existing policy of life insurance. No policy of life insurance will be legally impaired or invalidated by the withholding or withdrawal of life-prolonging procedures from an insured patient in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, nor by any other treatment decision made according to this chapter, notwithstanding any term of the policy to the contrary. A person shall not be required to make an advance directive as a condition for being insured for, or receiving, health care services.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199.

765.109  Immunity from liability; weight of proof; presumption.--

(1)  A health care facility, provider, or other person who acts under the direction of a health care facility or provider is not subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability, and will not be deemed to have engaged in unprofessional conduct, as a result of carrying out a health care decision made in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The surrogate or proxy who makes a health care decision on a patient's behalf, pursuant to this chapter, is not subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability for such action.

(2)  The provisions of this section shall apply unless it is shown by a preponderance of the evidence that the person authorizing or effectuating a health care decision did not, in good faith, comply with the provisions of this chapter.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199.

765.110  Health care facilities and providers; discipline.--

(1)  A health care facility, pursuant to Pub. L. No. 101-508, ss. 4206 and 4751, shall provide to each patient written information concerning the individual's rights concerning advance directives and the health care facility's policies respecting the implementation of such rights, and shall document in the patient's medical records whether or not the individual has executed an advance directive.

(2)  A health care provider or health care facility may not require a patient to execute an advance directive or to execute a new advance directive using the facility's or provider's forms. The patient's advance directives shall travel with the patient as part of the patient's medical record.

(3)  A health care provider or health care facility shall be subject to professional discipline and revocation of license or certification, and a fine of not more than $1,000 per incident, or both, if the health care provider or health care facility, as a condition of treatment or admission, requires an individual to execute or waive an advance directive.

(4)  The Department of Elderly Affairs for hospices and, in consultation with the Department of Elderly Affairs, the Department of Health for health care providers; the Agency for Health Care Administration for hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and health maintenance organizations; and the Department of Children and Family Services for facilities subject to part I of chapter 394 shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of the section.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199; s. 6, ch. 94-183; s. 243, ch. 94-218; s. 48, ch. 96-169; s. 284, ch. 99-8; s. 21, ch. 99-331.

765.1103  Pain management and palliative care.--

(1)  A patient shall be given information concerning pain management and palliative care when he or she discusses with the attending or treating physician, or such physician's designee, the diagnosis, planned course of treatment, alternatives, risks, or prognosis for his or her illness. If the patient is incapacitated, the information shall be given to the patient's health care surrogate or proxy, court-appointed guardian as provided in chapter 744, or attorney in fact under a durable power of attorney as provided in chapter 709. The court-appointed guardian or attorney in fact must have been delegated authority to make health care decisions on behalf of the patient.

(2)  Health care providers and practitioners regulated under chapter 458, chapter 459, or chapter 464 must, as appropriate, comply with a request for pain management or palliative care from a patient under their care or, for an incapacitated patient under their care, from a surrogate, proxy, guardian, or other representative permitted to make health care decisions for the incapacitated patient. Facilities regulated under chapter 395 or chapter 400 must comply with the pain management or palliative care measures ordered by the patient's physician.

History.--s. 8, ch. 2000-295; s. 5, ch. 2001-250; s. 134, ch. 2001-277.

765.1105  Transfer of a patient.--

(1)  A health care provider or facility that refuses to comply with a patient's advance directive, or the treatment decision of his or her surrogate, shall make reasonable efforts to transfer the patient to another health care provider or facility that will comply with the directive or treatment decision. This chapter does not require a health care provider or facility to commit any act which is contrary to the provider's or facility's moral or ethical beliefs, if the patient:

(a)  Is not in an emergency condition; and

(b)  Has received written information upon admission informing the patient of the policies of the health care provider or facility regarding such moral or ethical beliefs.

(2)  A health care provider or facility that is unwilling to carry out the wishes of the patient or the treatment decision of his or her surrogate because of moral or ethical beliefs must within 7 days either:

(a)  Transfer the patient to another health care provider or facility. The health care provider or facility shall pay the costs for transporting the patient to another health care provider or facility; or

(b)  If the patient has not been transferred, carry out the wishes of the patient or the patient's surrogate, unless the provisions of s. 765.105 apply.

History.--s. 4, ch. 92-199; s. 11, ch. 94-183; s. 1148, ch. 97-102; s. 30, ch. 99-331.

Note.--Former s. 765.308.

765.1115  Falsification, forgery, or willful concealment, cancellation, or destruction of directive or revocation or amendment; penalties.--

(1)  Any person who willfully conceals, cancels, defaces, obliterates, or damages an advance directive without the principal's consent or who falsifies or forges the revocation or amendment of an advance directive of another, and who thereby causes life-prolonging procedures to be utilized in contravention of the previously expressed intent of the principal, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(2)  Any person who falsifies or forges the advance directive of another or who willfully conceals or withholds personal knowledge of the revocation of an advance directive, with the intent to cause a withholding or withdrawal of life-prolonging procedures contrary to the wishes of the principal, and who thereby because of such act directly causes life-prolonging procedures to be withheld or withdrawn and death to be hastened, commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.--s. 4, ch. 92-199; s. 31, ch. 99-331.

Note.--Former s. 765.310.

765.112  Recognition of advance directive executed in another state.--An advance directive executed in another state in compliance with the law of that state or of this state is validly executed for the purposes of this chapter.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199.

765.113  Restrictions on providing consent.--Unless the principal expressly delegates such authority to the surrogate in writing, or a surrogate or proxy has sought and received court approval pursuant to rule 5.900 of the Florida Probate Rules, a surrogate or proxy may not provide consent for:

(1)  Abortion, sterilization, electroshock therapy, psychosurgery, experimental treatments that have not been approved by a federally approved institutional review board in accordance with 45 C.F.R. part 46 or 21 C.F.R. part 56, or voluntary admission to a mental health facility.

(2)  Withholding or withdrawing life-prolonging procedures from a pregnant patient prior to viability as defined in s. 390.0111(4).

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-199; s. 7, ch. 94-183; s. 87, ch. 99-3.

PART II

HEALTH CARE SURROGATE

765.201  Short title.

765.202  Designation of a health care surrogate.

765.203  Suggested form of designation.

765.204  Capacity of principal; procedure.

765.205  Responsibility of the surrogate.

765.201  Short title.--Sections 765.202-765.205 may be cited as the "Florida Health Care Surrogate Act."

History.--s. 3, ch. 92-199.

765.202  Designation of a health care surrogate.--

(1)  A written document designating a surrogate to make health care decisions for a principal shall be signed by the principal in the presence of two subscribing adult witnesses. A principal unable to sign the instrument may, in the presence of witnesses, direct that another person sign the principal's name as required herein. An exact copy of the instrument shall be provided to the surrogate.

(2)  The person designated as surrogate shall not act as witness to the execution of the document designating the health care surrogate. At least one person who acts as a witness shall be neither the principal's spouse nor blood relative.

(3)  A document designating a health care surrogate may also designate an alternate surrogate provided the designation is explicit. The alternate surrogate may assume his or her duties as surrogate for the principal if the original surrogate is unwilling or unable to perform his or her duties. The principal's failure to designate an alternate surrogate shall not invalidate the designation.

(4)  If neither the designated surrogate nor the designated alternate surrogate is able or willing to make health care decisions on behalf of the principal and in accordance with the principal's instructions, the health care facility may seek the appointment of a proxy pursuant to part IV.

(5)  A principal may designate a separate surrogate to consent to mental health treatment in the event that the principal is determined by a court to be incompetent to consent to mental health treatment and a guardian advocate is appointed as provided under s. 394.4598. However, unless the document designating the health care surrogate expressly states otherwise, the court shall assume that the health care surrogate authorized to make health care decisions under this chapter is also the principal's choice to make decisions regarding mental health treatment.

(6)  Unless the document states a time of termination, the designation shall remain in effect until revoked by the principal.

(7)  A written designation of a health care surrogate executed pursuant to this section establishes a rebuttable presumption of clear and convincing evidence of the principal's designation of the surrogate.

History.--s. 3, ch. 92-199; s. 8, ch. 94-183; s. 49, ch. 96-169; s. 1797, ch. 97-102.

765.203  Suggested form of designation.--A written designation of a health care surrogate executed pursuant to this chapter may, but need not be, in the following form:

DESIGNATION OF HEALTH CARE SURROGATE

Name:_____(Last)_____(First)_____(Middle Initial)_____

In the event that I have been determined to be incapacitated to provide informed consent for medical treatment and surgical and diagnostic procedures, I wish to designate as my surrogate for health care decisions:

Name:____________
Address:____________

____________________________________

Zip Code:__________

Phone:____________________

If my surrogate is unwilling or unable to perform his or her duties, I wish to designate as my alternate surrogate:
Name:____________
Address:____________

____________________________________

Zip Code:__________

Phone:____________________

I fully understand that this designation will permit my designee to make health care decisions, except for anatomical gifts, unless I have executed an anatomical gift declaration pursuant to law, and to provide, withhold, or withdraw consent on my behalf; to apply for public benefits to defray the cost of health care; and to authorize my admission to or transfer from a health care facility.
Additional instructions (optional):____________
____________
____________
____________

I further affirm that this designation is not being made as a condition of treatment or admission to a health care facility. I will notify and send a copy of this document to the following persons other than my surrogate, so they may know who my surrogate is.
Name:____________
Name:____________
____________
____________
Signed:____________
Date:____________

Witnesses:	1.________________
	2.________________

History.--s. 3, ch. 92-199; s. 1145, ch. 97-102; s. 9, ch. 2000-295.

765.204  Capacity of principal; procedure.--

(1)  A principal is presumed to be capable of making health care decisions for herself or himself unless she or he is determined to be incapacitated. Incapacity may not be inferred from the person's voluntary or involuntary hospitalization for mental illness or from her or his mental retardation.

(2)  If a principal's capacity to make health care decisions for herself or himself or provide informed consent is in question, the attending physician shall evaluate the principal's capacity and, if the physician concludes that the principal lacks capacity, enter that evaluation in the principal's medical record. If the attending physician has a question as to whether the principal lacks capacity, another physician shall also evaluate the principal's capacity, and if the second physician agrees that the principal lacks the capacity to make health care decisions or provide informed consent, the health care facility shall enter both physician's evaluations in the principal's medical record. If the principal has designated a health care surrogate or has delegated authority to make health care decisions to an attorney in fact under a durable power of attorney, the facility shall notify such surrogate or attorney in fact in writing that her or his authority under the instrument has commenced, as provided in chapter 709 or s. 765.203.

(3)  The surrogate's authority shall commence upon a determination under subsection (2) that the principal lacks capacity, and such authority shall remain in effect until a determination that the principal has regained such capacity. Upon commencement of the surrogate's authority, a surrogate who is not the principal's spouse shall notify the principal's spouse or adult children of the principal's designation of the surrogate. In the event the attending physician determines that the principal has regained capacity, the authority of the surrogate shall cease, but shall recommence if the principal subsequently loses capacity as determined pursuant to this section.

(4)  A determination made pursuant to this section that a principal lacks capacity to make health care decisions shall not be construed as a finding that a principal lacks capacity for any other purpose.

(5)  In the event the surrogate is required to consent to withholding or withdrawing life-prolonging procedures, the provisions of part III shall apply.

History.--s. 3, ch. 92-199; s. 1146, ch. 97-102; s. 22, ch. 99-331; s. 10, ch. 2000-295.

765.205  Responsibility of the surrogate.--

(1)  The surrogate, in accordance with the principal's instructions, unless such authority has been expressly limited by the principal, shall:

(a)  Have authority to act for the principal and to make all health care decisions for the principal during the principal's incapacity.

(b)  Consult expeditiously with appropriate health care providers to provide informed consent, and make only health care decisions for the principal which he or she believes the principal would have made under the circumstances if the principal were capable of making such decisions. If there is no indication of what the principal would have chosen, the surrogate may consider the patient's best interest in deciding that proposed treatments are to be withheld or that treatments currently in effect are to be withdrawn.

(c)  Provide written consent using an appropriate form whenever consent is required, including a physician's order not to resuscitate.

(d)  Be provided access to the appropriate medical records of the principal.

(e)  Apply for public benefits, such as Medicare and Medicaid, for the principal and have access to information regarding the principal's income and assets and banking and financial records to the extent required to make application. A health care provider or facility may not, however, make such application a condition of continued care if the principal, if capable, would have refused to apply.

(2)  The surrogate may authorize the release of information and medical records to appropriate persons to ensure the continuity of the principal's health care and may authorize the admission, discharge, or transfer of the principal to or from a health care facility or other facility or program licensed under chapter 400.

(3)  If, after the appointment of a surrogate, a court appoints a guardian, the surrogate shall continue to make health care decisions for the principal, unless the court has modified or revoked the authority of the surrogate pursuant to s. 744.3115. The surrogate may be directed by the court to report the principal's health care status to the guardian.

History.--s. 3, ch. 92-199; s. 9, ch. 94-183; s. 50, ch. 96-169; s. 23, ch. 99-331; s. 11, ch. 2000-295; s. 6, ch. 2001-250; s. 135, ch. 2001-277.

PART III

LIFE-PROLONGING PROCEDURES

765.301  Short title.

765.302  Procedure for making a living will; notice to physician.

765.303  Suggested form of a living will.

765.304  Procedure for living will.

765.305  Procedure in absence of a living will.

765.306  Determination of patient condition.

765.309  Mercy killing or euthanasia not authorized; suicide distinguished.

765.301  Short title.--Sections 765.302-765.309 may be cited as the "Life-Prolonging Procedure Act of Florida."

History.--s. 4, ch. 92-199; s. 24, ch. 99-331.

765.302  Procedure for making a living will; notice to physician.--

(1)  Any competent adult may, at any time, make a living will or written declaration and direct the providing, withholding, or withdrawal of life-prolonging procedures in the event that such person has a terminal condition, has an end-stage condition, or is in a persistent vegetative state. A living will must be signed by the principal in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, one of whom is neither a spouse nor a blood relative of the principal. If the principal is physically unable to sign the living will, one of the witnesses must subscribe the principal's signature in the principal's presence and at the principal's direction.

(2)  It is the responsibility of the principal to provide for notification to her or his attending or treating physician that the living will has been made. In the event the principal is physically or mentally incapacitated at the time the principal is admitted to a health care facility, any other person may notify the physician or health care facility of the existence of the living will. An attending or treating physician or health care facility which is so notified shall promptly make the living will or a copy thereof a part of the principal's medical records.

(3)  A living will, executed pursuant to this section, establishes a rebuttable presumption of clear and convincing evidence of the principal's wishes.

History.--s. 4, ch. 92-199; s. 1147, ch. 97-102; s. 25, ch. 99-331.

765.303  Suggested form of a living will.--

(1)  A living will may, BUT NEED NOT, be in the following form:

Living Will

Declaration made this _____ day of _____,  (year) , I, __________, willfully and voluntarily make known my desire that my dying not be artificially prolonged under the circumstances set forth below, and I do hereby declare that, if at any time I am incapacitated and

 (initial)  I have a terminal condition

or  (initial)  I have an end-stage condition

or  (initial)  I am in a persistent vegetative state


and if my attending or treating physician and another consulting physician have determined that there is no reasonable medical probability of my recovery from such condition, I direct that life-prolonging procedures be withheld or withdrawn when the application of such procedures would serve only to prolong artificially the process of dying, and that I be permitted to die naturally with only the administration of medication or the performance of any medical procedure deemed necessary to provide me with comfort care or to alleviate pain.

It is my intention that this declaration be honored by my family and physician as the final expression of my legal right to refuse medical or surgical treatment and to accept the consequences for such refusal.

In the event that I have been determined to be unable to provide express and informed consent regarding the withholding, withdrawal, or continuation of life-prolonging procedures, I wish to designate, as my surrogate to carry out the provisions of this declaration:

Name:____________
Address:____________

____________________________________

Zip Code:__________

Phone:____________________

I understand the full import of this declaration, and I am emotionally and mentally competent to make this declaration.
Additional Instructions (optional):
____________
____________
____________

_____(Signed)_____
_____Witness_____
_____Address_____
_____Phone_____
_____Witness_____
_____Address_____
_____Phone_____

(2)  The principal's failure to designate a surrogate shall not invalidate the living will.

History.--s. 4, ch. 92-199; s. 35, ch. 99-6; s. 26, ch. 99-331; s. 12, ch. 2000-295.

765.304  Procedure for living will.--

(1)  If a person has made a living will expressing his or her desires concerning life-prolonging procedures, but has not designated a surrogate to execute his or her wishes concerning life-prolonging procedures or designated a surrogate under part II, the attending physician may proceed as directed by the principal in the living will. In the event of a dispute or disagreement concerning the attending physician's decision to withhold or withdraw life-prolonging procedures, the attending physician shall not withhold or withdraw life-prolonging procedures pending review under s. 765.105. If a review of a disputed decision is not sought within 7 days following the attending physician's decision to withhold or withdraw life-prolonging procedures, the attending physician may proceed in accordance with the principal's instructions.

(2)  Before proceeding in accordance with the principal's living will, it must be determined that:

(a)  The principal does not have a reasonable medical probability of recovering capacity so that the right could be exercised directly by the principal.

(b)  The principal has a terminal condition, has an end-stage condition, or is in a persistent vegetative state.

(c)  Any limitations or conditions expressed orally or in a written declaration have been carefully considered and satisfied.

History.--s. 4, ch. 92-199; s. 10, ch. 94-183; s. 27, ch. 99-331.

765.305  Procedure in absence of a living will.--

(1)  In the absence of a living will, the decision to withhold or withdraw life-prolonging procedures from a patient may be made by a health care surrogate designated by the patient pursuant to part II unless the designation limits the surrogate's authority to consent to the withholding or withdrawal of life-prolonging procedures.

(2)  Before exercising the incompetent patient's right to forego treatment, the surrogate must be satisfied that:

(a)  The patient does not have a reasonable medical probability of recovering capacity so that the right could be exercised by the patient.

(b)  The patient has an end-stage condition, the patient is in a persistent vegetative state, or the patient's physical condition is terminal.

History.--s. 4, ch. 92-199; s. 28, ch. 99-331; s. 13, ch. 2000-295.

765.306  Determination of patient condition.--In determining whether the patient has a terminal condition, has an end-stage condition, or is in a persistent vegetative state or may recover capacity, or whether a medical condition or limitation referred to in an advance directive exists, the patient's attending or treating physician and at least one other consulting physician must separately examine the patient. The findings of each such examination must be documented in the patient's medical record and signed by each examining physician before life-prolonging procedures may be withheld or withdrawn.

History.--s. 4, ch. 92-199; s. 13, ch. 94-183; s. 29, ch. 99-331; s. 14, ch. 2000-295.

765.309  Mercy killing or euthanasia not authorized; suicide distinguished.--

(1)  Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to condone, authorize, or approve mercy killing or euthanasia, or to permit any affirmative or deliberate act or omission to end life other than to permit the natural process of dying.

(2)  The withholding or withdrawal of life-prolonging procedures from a patient in accordance with any provision of this chapter does not, for any purpose, constitute a suicide.

History.--s. 4, ch. 92-199.

PART IV

ABSENCE OF ADVANCE DIRECTIVE

765.401  The proxy.

765.404  Persistent vegetative state.

765.401  The proxy.--

(1)  If an incapacitated or developmentally disabled patient has not executed an advance directive, or designated a surrogate to execute an advance directive, or the designated or alternate surrogate is no longer available to make health care decisions, health care decisions may be made for the patient by any of the following individuals, in the following order of priority, if no individual in a prior class is reasonably available, willing, or competent to act:

(a)  The judicially appointed guardian of the patient or the guardian advocate of the person having a developmental disability as defined in s. 393.063, who has been authorized to consent to medical treatment, if such guardian has previously been appointed; however, this paragraph shall not be construed to require such appointment before a treatment decision can be made under this subsection;

(b)  The patient's spouse;

(c)  An adult child of the patient, or if the patient has more than one adult child, a majority of the adult children who are reasonably available for consultation;

(d)  A parent of the patient;

(e)  The adult sibling of the patient or, if the patient has more than one sibling, a majority of the adult siblings who are reasonably available for consultation;

(f)  An adult relative of the patient who has exhibited special care and concern for the patient and who has maintained regular contact with the patient and who is familiar with the patient's activities, health, and religious or moral beliefs; or

(g)  A close friend of the patient.

(2)  Any health care decision made under this part must be based on the proxy's informed consent and on the decision the proxy reasonably believes the patient would have made under the circumstances. If there is no indication of what the patient would have chosen, the proxy may consider the patient's best interest in deciding that proposed treatments are to be withheld or that treatments currently in effect are to be withdrawn.

(3)  Before exercising the incapacitated patient's rights to select or decline health care, the proxy must comply with the provisions of ss. 765.205 and 765.305, except that a proxy's decision to withhold or withdraw life-prolonging procedures must be supported by clear and convincing evidence that the decision would have been the one the patient would have chosen had the patient been competent or, if there is no indication of what the patient would have chosen, that the decision is in the patient's best interest.

(4)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to preempt the designation of persons who may consent to the medical care or treatment of minors established pursuant to s. 743.0645.

History.--s. 5, ch. 92-199; s. 12, ch. 94-183; s. 32, ch. 99-331; s. 15, ch. 2000-295; s. 7, ch. 2001-250; s. 136, ch. 2001-277; s. 13, ch. 2002-195.

765.404  Persistent vegetative state.--For persons in a persistent vegetative state, as determined by the attending physician in accordance with currently accepted medical standards, who have no advance directive and for whom there is no evidence indicating what the person would have wanted under such conditions, and for whom, after a reasonably diligent inquiry, no family or friends are available or willing to serve as a proxy to make health care decisions for them, life-prolonging procedures may be withheld or withdrawn under the following conditions:

(1)  The person has a judicially appointed guardian representing his or her best interest with authority to consent to medical treatment; and

(2)  The guardian and the person's attending physician, in consultation with the medical ethics committee of the facility where the patient is located, conclude that the condition is permanent and that there is no reasonable medical probability for recovery and that withholding or withdrawing life-prolonging procedures is in the best interest of the patient. If there is no medical ethics committee at the facility, the facility must have an arrangement with the medical ethics committee of another facility or with a community-based ethics committee approved by the Florida Bio-ethics Network. The ethics committee shall review the case with the guardian, in consultation with the person's attending physician, to determine whether the condition is permanent and there is no reasonable medical probability for recovery. The individual committee members and the facility associated with an ethics committee shall not be held liable in any civil action related to the performance of any duties required in this subsection.

History.--s. 33, ch. 99-331.

PART V

ANATOMICAL GIFTS

765.510  Legislative declaration.

765.511  Definitions.

765.512  Persons who may make an anatomical gift.

765.513  Persons and entities that may become donees; purposes for which anatomical gifts may be made.

765.514  Manner of executing anatomical gifts.

765.515  Delivery of document; organ and tissue donor registry.

765.516  Amendment or revocation of the gift.

765.517  Rights and duties at death.

765.518  Eye banks.

765.5185  Corneal removal by medical examiners.

765.519  Enucleation of eyes by licensed funeral directors.

765.521  Donations as part of driver license or identification card process.

765.5215  Education program relating to anatomical gifts.

765.52155  Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Education and Procurement Trust Fund.

765.5216  Organ and tissue donor education panel.

765.522  Duty of certain hospital administrators; liability of hospital administrators, organ procurement organizations, eye banks, and tissue banks.

765.510  Legislative declaration.--Because of the rapid medical progress in the fields of tissue and organ preservation, transplantation of tissue, and tissue culture, and because it is in the public interest to aid the medical developments in these fields, the Legislature in enacting this part intends to encourage and aid the development of reconstructive medicine and surgery and the development of medical research by facilitating premortem and postmortem authorizations for donations of tissue and organs. It is the purpose of this part to regulate the gift of a body or parts of a body, the gift to be made after the death of a donor.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 113, ch. 75-220; s. 3, ch. 84-264; s. 60, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Created from former s. 736.21; s. 732.910.

765.511  Definitions.--As used in this part, the term:

(1)  "Bank" or "storage facility" means a facility licensed, accredited, or approved under the laws of any state for storage of human bodies or parts thereof.

(2)  "Death" means the absence of life as determined, in accordance with currently accepted medical standards, by the irreversible cessation of all respiration and circulatory function, or as determined, in accordance with s. 382.009, by the irreversible cessation of the functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem.

(3)  "Donor" means an individual who makes a gift of all or part of his or her body.

(4)  "Hospital" means a hospital licensed, accredited, or approved under the laws of any state and includes a hospital operated by the United States Government or a state, or a subdivision thereof, although not required to be licensed under state laws.

(5)  "Physician" or "surgeon" means a physician or surgeon licensed to practice under chapter 458 or chapter 459 or similar laws of any state. "Surgeon" includes dental or oral surgeon.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 113, ch. 75-220; s. 973, ch. 97-102; s. 5, ch. 98-68; s. 61, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Created from former s. 736.22; s. 732.911.

765.512  Persons who may make an anatomical gift.--

(1)  Any person who may make a will may give all or part of his or her body for any purpose specified in s. 765.510, the gift to take effect upon death. An anatomical gift made by an adult donor and not revoked by the donor as provided in s. 765.516 is irrevocable and does not require the consent or concurrence of any person after the donor's death.

(2)  If the decedent has executed an agreement concerning an anatomical gift, including signing an organ and tissue donor card, expressing his or her wish to donate in a living will or advance directive, or signifying his or her intent to donate on his or her driver's license or in some other written form has indicated his or her wish to make an anatomical gift, and in the absence of actual notice of contrary indications by the decedent, the surrogate designated by the decedent pursuant to part II of this chapter may give all or any part of the decedent's body for any purpose specified in s. 765.510.

(3)  If the decedent has not executed an agreement concerning an anatomical gift or designated a surrogate pursuant to part II of this chapter to make an anatomical gift pursuant to the conditions of subsection (2), a member of one of the classes of persons listed below, in the order of priority stated and in the absence of actual notice of contrary indications by the decedent or actual notice of opposition by a member of the same or a prior class, may give all or any part of the decedent's body for any purpose specified in s. 765.510:

(a)  The spouse of the decedent;

(b)  An adult son or daughter of the decedent;

(c)  Either parent of the decedent;

(d)  An adult brother or sister of the decedent;

(e)  A grandparent of the decedent;

(f)  A guardian of the person of the decedent at the time of his or her death; or

(g)  A representative ad litem who shall be appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction forthwith upon a petition heard ex parte filed by any person, which representative ad litem shall ascertain that no person of higher priority exists who objects to the gift of all or any part of the decedent's body and that no evidence exists of the decedent's having made a communication expressing a desire that his or her body or body parts not be donated upon death;

but no gift shall be made by the spouse if any adult son or daughter objects, and provided that those of higher priority, if they are reasonably available, have been contacted and made aware of the proposed gift, and further provided that a reasonable search is made to show that there would have been no objection on religious grounds by the decedent.

(4)  If the donee has actual notice of contrary indications by the decedent or, in the case of a spouse making the gift, an objection of an adult son or daughter or actual notice that a gift by a member of a class is opposed by a member of the same or a prior class, the donee shall not accept the gift.

(5)  The person authorized by subsection (3) may make the gift after the decedent's death or immediately before the decedent's death.

(6)  A gift of all or part of a body authorizes any examination necessary to assure medical acceptability of the gift for the purposes intended.

(7)  Once the gift has been made, the rights of the donee are paramount to the rights of others, except as provided by s. 765.517.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 45, ch. 75-220; s. 4, ch. 84-264; s. 62, ch. 85-62; s. 5, ch. 95-423; s. 974, ch. 97-102; s. 6, ch. 98-68; s. 12, ch. 99-331; s. 62, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Created from former s. 736.23; s. 732.912.

765.513  Persons and entities that may become donees; purposes for which anatomical gifts may be made.--The following persons or entities may become donees of gifts of bodies or parts of them for the purposes stated:

(1)  Any hospital, surgeon, or physician for medical or dental education or research, advancement of medical or dental science, therapy, or transplantation.

(2)  Any accredited medical or dental school, college, or university for education, research, advancement of medical or dental science, or therapy.

(3)  Any bank or storage facility for medical or dental education, research, advancement of medical or dental science, therapy, or transplantation.

(4)  Any individual specified by name for therapy or transplantation needed by him or her.

However, the Legislature declares that the public policy of this state prohibits restrictions on the possible recipients of an anatomical gift on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical handicap, health status, marital status, or economic status, and such restrictions are hereby declared void and unenforceable.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 45, ch. 75-220; s. 1, ch. 94-305; s. 975, ch. 97-102; s. 7, ch. 98-68; s. 63, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Created from former s. 736.24; s. 732.913.

765.514  Manner of executing anatomical gifts.--

(1)  A gift of all or part of the body under s. 765.512(1) may be made by will. The gift becomes effective upon the death of the testator without waiting for probate. If the will is not probated or if it is declared invalid for testamentary purposes, the gift is nevertheless valid to the extent that it has been acted upon in good faith.

(2)(a)  A gift of all or part of the body under s. 765.512(1) may also be made by a document other than a will. The gift becomes effective upon the death of the donor. The document must be signed by the donor in the presence of two witnesses who shall sign the document in the donor's presence. If the donor cannot sign, the document may be signed for him or her at the donor's direction and in his or her presence and the presence of two witnesses who must sign the document in the donor's presence. Delivery of the document of gift during the donor's lifetime is not necessary to make the gift valid.

(b)  The following form of written instrument shall be sufficient for any person to give all or part of his or her body for the purposes of this part:

UNIFORM DONOR CARD


The undersigned hereby makes this anatomical gift, if medically acceptable, to take effect on death. The words and marks below indicate my desires:

I give:

(a)  _____ any needed organs or parts;

(b)  _____ only the following organs or parts

 [Specify the organ(s) or part(s)] 

for the purpose of transplantation, therapy, medical research, or education;

(c)  _____ my body for anatomical study if needed. Limitations or special wishes, if any:

 (If applicable, list specific donee) 


Signed by the donor and the following witnesses in the presence of each other:

 (Signature of donor) 

 (Date of birth of donor) 

 (Date signed) 

 (City and State) 

 (Witness) 

 (Witness) 

 (Address) 

 (Address) 

(3)  The gift may be made to a donee specified by name. If the donee is not specified by name, the gift may be accepted by the attending physician as donee upon or following the donor's death. If the gift is made to a specified donee who is not available at the time and place of death, the attending physician may accept the gift as donee upon or following death in the absence of any expressed indication that the donor desired otherwise. However, the Legislature declares that the public policy of this state prohibits restrictions on the possible recipients of an anatomical gift on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical handicap, health status, marital status, or economic status, and such restrictions are hereby declared void and unenforceable. The physician who becomes a donee under this subsection shall not participate in the procedures for removing or transplanting a part.

(4)  Notwithstanding s. 765.517(2), the donor may designate in his or her will or other document of gift the surgeon or physician to carry out the appropriate procedures. In the absence of a designation or if the designee is not available, the donee or other person authorized to accept the gift may employ or authorize any surgeon or physician for the purpose.

(5)  Any gift by a member of a class designated in s. 765.512(3) must be made by a document signed by that person or made by that person's witnessed telephonic discussion, telegraphic message, or other recorded message.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 45, ch. 75-220; s. 1, ch. 83-171; s. 2, ch. 94-305; s. 6, ch. 95-423; s. 976, ch. 97-102; s. 8, ch. 98-68; s. 13, ch. 99-331; s. 64, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Created from former s. 736.25; s. 732.914.

765.515  Delivery of document; organ and tissue donor registry.--

(1)  If a gift is made through the program established by the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles under the authority of s. 765.521, the completed donor registration card shall be delivered to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and processed in a manner specified in subsection (4), but delivery is not necessary to the validity of the gift. If the donor withdraws the gift, the records of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall be updated to reflect such withdrawal.

(2)  If a gift is not made through the program established by the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles under the authority of s. 765.521 and is made by the donor to a specified donee, the document, other than a will, may be delivered to the donee to expedite the appropriate procedures immediately after death, but delivery is not necessary to the validity of the gift. Such document may be deposited in any hospital, bank, storage facility, or registry office that accepts such documents for safekeeping or for facilitation of procedures after death.

(3)  On the request of any interested party upon or after the donor's death, the person in possession shall produce the document for examination.

(4)  The Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall develop and implement an organ and tissue donor registry which shall record, through electronic means, organ and tissue donation documents submitted through the driver license identification program or by other sources. The registry shall be maintained in a manner which will allow, through electronic and telephonic methods, immediate access to organ and tissue donation documents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hospitals, organ and tissue procurement agencies, and other parties identified by the agency by rule shall be allowed access through coded means to the information stored in the registry. Costs for the organ and tissue donor registry shall be paid from the Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Education and Procurement Trust Fund created by s. 765.52155. Funds deposited into the Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Education and Procurement Trust Fund shall be utilized by the Agency for Health Care Administration for maintaining the organ and tissue donor registry and for organ and tissue donor education.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 45, ch. 75-220; s. 2, ch. 83-171; s. 1, ch. 87-372; s. 7, ch. 95-423; s. 33, ch. 96-418; s. 9, ch. 98-68; s. 65, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Created from former s. 736.26; s. 732.915.

765.516  Amendment or revocation of the gift.--

(1)  A donor may amend or revoke an anatomical gift by:

(a)  The execution and delivery to the donee of a signed statement.

(b)  An oral statement that is:

1.  Made to the donor's spouse; or

2.  Made in the presence of two persons and communicated to the donor's family or attorney or to the donee.

(c)  A statement during a terminal illness or injury addressed to an attending physician, who must communicate the revocation of the gift to the procurement organization that is certified by the state.

(d)  A signed document found on the donor's person or in the donor's effects.

(2)  Any gift made by a will may also be amended or revoked in the manner provided for amendment or revocation of wills or as provided in subsection (1).

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 113, ch. 75-220; s. 3, ch. 83-171; s. 8, ch. 95-423; s. 977, ch. 97-102; s. 10, ch. 98-68; s. 66, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Created from former s. 736.27; s. 732.916.

765.517  Rights and duties at death.--

(1)  The donee, as specified under the provisions of s. 765.515(2), may accept or reject the gift. If the donee accepts a gift of the entire body or a part of the body to be used for scientific purposes other than a transplant, the donee may authorize embalming and the use of the body in funeral services, subject to the terms of the gift. If the gift is of a part of the body, the donee shall cause the part to be removed without unnecessary mutilation upon the death of the donor and before or after embalming. After removal of the part, custody of the remainder of the body vests in the surviving spouse, next of kin, or other persons under obligation to dispose of the body.

(2)  The time of death shall be determined by a physician who attends the donor at the donor's death or, if there is no such physician, the physician who certifies the death. After death and in the absence of other qualified personnel, this physician may participate in, but shall not obstruct, the procedures to preserve the donor's organs or tissues and shall not be paid or reimbursed by, nor be associated with or employed by, an organ procurement organization, tissue bank, or eye bank. This physician shall not participate in the procedures for removing or transplanting a part.

(3)  The organ procurement organization, tissue bank, or eye bank, or hospital medical professionals under the direction thereof, may perform any and all tests to evaluate the deceased as a potential donor and any invasive procedures on the deceased body in order to preserve the potential donor's organs. These procedures do not include the surgical removal of an organ or penetrating any body cavity, specifically for the purpose of donation, until a properly executed donor card or document is located or, if a properly executed donor card or document cannot be located, a person specified in s. 765.512(3) has been located, has been notified of the death, and has granted legal permission for the donation.

(4)  All reasonable additional expenses incurred in the procedures to preserve the donor's organs or tissues shall be reimbursed by the organ procurement organization, tissue bank, or eye bank.

(5)  A person who acts in good faith and without negligence in accord with the terms of this part or under the anatomical gift laws of another state or a foreign country is not liable for damages in any civil action or subject to prosecution for his or her acts in any criminal proceeding.

(6)  The provisions of this part are subject to the laws of this state prescribing powers and duties with respect to autopsies.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 45, ch. 75-220; s. 4, ch. 83-171; s. 9, ch. 95-423; s. 978, ch. 97-102; s. 14, ch. 99-331; s. 67, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Created from former s. 736.28; s. 732.917.

765.518  Eye banks.--

(1)  Any state, county, district, or other public hospital may purchase and provide the necessary facilities and equipment to establish and maintain an eye bank for restoration of sight purposes.

(2)  The Department of Education may have prepared, printed, and distributed:

(a)  A form document of gift for a gift of the eyes.

(b)  An eye bank register consisting of the names of persons who have executed documents for the gift of their eyes.

(c)  Wallet cards reciting the document of gift.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 45, ch. 75-220; s. 462, ch. 77-147; s. 68, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Created from former s. 736.29; s. 732.918.

765.5185  Corneal removal by medical examiners.--

(1)  In any case in which a patient is in need of corneal tissue for a transplant, a district medical examiner or an appropriately qualified designee with training in ophthalmologic techniques may, upon request of any eye bank authorized under s. 765.518, provide the cornea of a decedent whenever all of the following conditions are met:

(a)  A decedent who may provide a suitable cornea for the transplant is under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner and an autopsy is required in accordance with s. 406.11.

(b)  No objection by the next of kin of the decedent is known by the medical examiner.

(c)  The removal of the cornea will not interfere with the subsequent course of an investigation or autopsy.

(2)  Neither the district medical examiner nor the medical examiner's appropriately qualified designee nor any eye bank authorized under s. 765.518 may be held liable in any civil or criminal action for failure to obtain consent of the next of kin.

History.--s. 1, ch. 77-172; s. 1, ch. 78-191; s. 979, ch. 97-102; s. 69, ch. 2001-226; s. 111, ch. 2002-1.

Note.--Former s. 732.9185.

765.519  Enucleation of eyes by licensed funeral directors.--With respect to a gift of an eye as provided for in this part, a licensed funeral director as defined in chapter 470 who has completed a course in eye enucleation and has received a certificate of competence from the Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Florida School of Medicine, the University of South Florida School of Medicine, or the University of Miami School of Medicine may enucleate eyes for gift after proper certification of death by a physician and in compliance with the intent of the gift as defined in this chapter. No properly certified funeral director acting in accordance with the terms of this part shall have any civil or criminal liability for eye enucleation.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 45, ch. 75-220; s. 1, ch. 80-157; s. 70, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Created from former s. 736.31; s. 732.919.

765.521  Donations as part of driver license or identification card process.--

(1)  The Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall develop and implement a program encouraging and allowing persons to make anatomical gifts as a part of the process of issuing identification cards and issuing and renewing driver licenses. The donor registration card distributed by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall include the material specified by s. 765.514(2)(b) and may require such additional information, and include such additional material, as may be deemed necessary by that department. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall also develop and implement a program to identify donors, which program shall include notations on identification cards, driver licenses, and driver records or such other methods as the department may develop. This program shall include, after an individual has completed a donor registration card, making a notation on the front of the driver license or identification card that clearly indicates the individual's intent to donate the individual's organs or tissue. A notation on an individual's driver license or identification card that the individual intends to donate organs or tissues is deemed sufficient to satisfy all requirements for consent to organ or tissue donation. The Agency for Health Care Administration shall provide the necessary supplies and forms through funds appropriated from general revenue or contributions from interested voluntary, nonprofit organizations. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall provide the necessary recordkeeping system through funds appropriated from general revenue. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Agency for Health Care Administration shall incur no liability in connection with the performance of any acts authorized herein.

(2)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, after consultation with and concurrence by the Agency for Health Care Administration, shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section according to the provisions of chapter 120.

(3)  Funds expended by the Agency for Health Care Administration to carry out the intent of this section shall not be taken from any funds appropriated for patient care.

History.--s. 1, ch. 75-71; s. 1, ch. 77-16; s. 463, ch. 77-147; s. 1, ch. 77-174; ss. 1, 2, ch. 80-134; s. 5, ch. 83-171; s. 10, ch. 95-423; s. 71, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Former s. 732.921.

765.5215  Education program relating to anatomical gifts.--The Agency for Health Care Administration, subject to the concurrence of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, shall develop a continuing program to educate and inform medical professionals, law enforcement agencies and officers, high school children, state and local government employees, and the public regarding the laws of this state relating to anatomical gifts and the need for anatomical gifts.

(1)  The program is to be implemented with the assistance of the organ and tissue donor education panel as provided in s. 765.5216 and with the funds collected under ss. 320.08047 and 322.08(6)(b). Existing community resources, when available, must be used to support the program, and volunteers may assist the program to the maximum extent possible. The Agency for Health Care Administration may contract for the provision of all or any portion of the program. When awarding such contract, the agency shall give priority to existing nonprofit groups that are located within the community, including within the minority communities specified in subsection (2). The program aimed at educating medical professionals may be implemented by contract with one or more medical schools located in the state.

(2)  The Legislature finds that particular difficulties exist in making members of the various minority communities within the state aware of laws relating to anatomical gifts and the need for anatomical gifts. Therefore, the program shall include, as a demonstration project, activities especially targeted at providing such information to the nonwhite, Hispanic, and Caribbean populations of the state.

(3)  The Agency for Health Care Administration shall, no later than March 1 of each year, submit a report to the Legislature containing statistical data on the effectiveness of the program in procuring donor organs and the effect of the program on state spending for health care.

(4)  The Agency for Health Care Administration, in furtherance of its educational responsibilities regarding organ and tissue donation, shall have access to the buildings and workplace areas of all state agencies and political subdivisions of the state.

History.--s. 1, ch. 85-247; s. 11, ch. 95-423; s. 65, ch. 99-248; s. 72, ch. 2001-226; s. 112, ch. 2002-1.

Note.--Former s. 732.9215.

765.52155  Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Education and Procurement Trust Fund.--The Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Education and Procurement Trust Fund is hereby created, to be administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration. Funds shall be credited to the trust fund as provided for in general law.

History.--s. 1, ch. 95-316; s. 29, ch. 96-418; s. 73, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Former s. 732.92155.

765.5216  Organ and tissue donor education panel.--

(1)  The Legislature recognizes that there exists in the state a shortage of organ and tissue donors to provide the organs and tissue that could save lives or enhance the quality of life for many Floridians. The Legislature further recognizes the need to encourage the various minority populations of Florida to donate organs and tissue. It is the intent of the Legislature that the funds collected pursuant to ss. 320.08047 and 322.08(6)(b) be used for educational purposes aimed at increasing the number of organ and tissue donors, thus affording more Floridians who are awaiting organ or tissue transplants the opportunity for a full and productive life.

(2)  There is created within the Agency for Health Care Administration a statewide organ and tissue donor education panel, consisting of 12 members, to represent the interests of the public with regard to increasing the number of organ and tissue donors within the state. The panel and the Organ and Tissue Procurement and Transplantation Advisory Board established in s. 381.6023 shall jointly develop, subject to the approval of the Agency for Health Care Administration, education initiatives pursuant to s. 765.5215, which the agency shall implement. The membership must be balanced with respect to gender, ethnicity, and other demographic characteristics so that the appointees reflect the diversity of the population of this state. The panel members must include:

(a)  A representative from the Agency for Health Care Administration, who shall serve as chairperson of the panel.

(b)  A representative from a Florida licensed organ procurement organization.

(c)  A representative from a Florida licensed tissue bank.

(d)  A representative from a Florida licensed eye bank.

(e)  A representative from a Florida licensed hospital.

(f)  A representative from the Division of Driver Licenses of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, who possesses experience and knowledge in dealing with the public.

(g)  A representative from the family of an organ, tissue, or eye donor.

(h)  A representative who has been the recipient of a transplanted organ, tissue, or eye, or is a family member of a recipient.

(i)  A representative who is a minority person as defined in former s. 381.81.

(j)  A representative from a professional association or public relations or advertising organization.

(k)  A representative from a community service club or organization.

(l)  A representative from the Department of Education.

(3)  All members of the panel shall be appointed by the Secretary of Health Care Administration to serve a term of 2 years, except that, initially, six members shall be appointed for 1-year terms and six members shall be appointed for 2-year terms.

(4)  Members of the panel shall receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses by the agency in accordance with the provisions of s. 112.061, while engaged in the performance of their duties.

(5)  The panel shall meet at least semiannually or upon the call of the chairperson or the Secretary of Health Care Administration.

History.--s. 12, ch. 95-423; s. 11, ch. 98-68; s. 66, ch. 99-248; s. 25, ch. 2000-305; s. 74, ch. 2001-226; s. 113, ch. 2002-1.

Note.--Former s. 732.9216.

765.522  Duty of certain hospital administrators; liability of hospital administrators, organ procurement organizations, eye banks, and tissue banks.--

(1)  When used in this section, "hospital" means any establishment licensed under chapter 395 except psychiatric and rehabilitation hospitals.

(2)  Where, based on accepted medical standards, a hospital patient is a suitable candidate for organ or tissue donation, the hospital administrator or the hospital administrator's designee shall, at or near the time of death, access the organ and tissue donor registry created by s. 765.515(4) to ascertain the existence of a donor card or document executed by the decedent. In the absence of a donor card, organ donation sticker or organ donation imprint on a driver's license, or other properly executed document, the hospital administrator or designee shall request:

(a)  The patient's health care surrogate, as permitted in s. 765.512(2); or

(b)  If the patient does not have a surrogate, or the surrogate is not reasonably available, any of the persons specified in s. 765.512(3), in the order and manner of priority stated in s. 765.512(3),

to consent to the gift of all or any part of the decedent's body for any purpose specified in this part. Except as provided in s. 765.512, in the absence of actual notice of opposition, consent need only be obtained from the person or persons in the highest priority class reasonably available.

(3)  A gift made pursuant to a request required by this section shall be executed pursuant to s. 765.514.

(4)  The Agency for Health Care Administration shall establish rules and guidelines concerning the education of individuals who may be designated to perform the request and the procedures to be used in making the request. The agency is authorized to adopt rules concerning the documentation of the request, where such request is made.

(5)  There shall be no civil or criminal liability against any organ procurement organization, eye bank, or tissue bank certified under s. 381.6022, or against any hospital or hospital administrator or designee, when complying with the provisions of this part and the rules of the Agency for Health Care Administration or when, in the exercise of reasonable care, a request for organ donation is inappropriate and the gift is not made according to this part and the rules of the Agency for Health Care Administration.

(6)  The hospital administrator or a designee shall, at or near the time of death of a potential organ donor, directly notify the affiliated Health Care Financing Administration designated organ procurement organization of the potential organ donor. This organ procurement organization must offer any organ from such a donor first to patients on a Florida-based local or state organ sharing transplant list. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "transplant list" includes certain categories of national or regional organ sharing for patients of exceptional need or exceptional match, as approved or mandated by the United Network for Organ Sharing. This notification must not be made to a tissue bank or eye bank in lieu of the organ procurement organization unless the tissue bank or eye bank is also a Health Care Financing Administration designated organ procurement organization.

History.--s. 1, ch. 86-212; s. 2, ch. 87-372; s. 13, ch. 95-423; s. 980, ch. 97-102; s. 12, ch. 98-68; s. 15, ch. 99-331; s. 75, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Former s. 732.922.