Ch. 356                                    2004 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2002 Replacement Volume and 2003 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Health - General

5-601.

(a)     In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)     "Advance directive" means:

(1)     A witnessed written document, voluntarily executed by the declarant
in accordance with the requirements of this subtitle; or

(2)     A witnessed oral statement, made by the declarant in accordance
with the provisions of this subtitle.

5-615.

(a)     In this section, "health care facility" has the meaning stated in § 19-114 of
this article.

(b)     Each health care facility shall provide each individual on admittance to the
facility information concerning the rights of the individual to make decisions
concerning health care, including the right to accept or refuse treatment, and the
right to make an advance directive, including a living will.

(C) (1) IN THIS SUBSECTION, "INFORMATION ON AN ADVANCE DIRECTIVE"
INCLUDES THE DEPARTMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE OFFICE OF THE
ATTORNEY GENERAL, SHALL DEVELOP A FORM AN INFORMATION SHEET THAT
PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO ADVANCE DIRECTIVES, WHICH MAY SHALL
INCLUDE:

(I) WRITTEN STATEMENTS INFORMING AN INDIVIDUAL THAT AN
ADVANCE DIRECTIVE:

1.       IS A USEFUL, LEGAL, AND WELL-ESTABLISHED WAY FOR
AN INDIVIDUAL TO DIRECT MEDICAL CARE;

2.       ALLOWS AN INDIVIDUAL TO SPECIFY THE MEDICAL CARE
THAT THE INDIVIDUAL WILL RECEIVE AND CAN ALLEVIATE CONFLICT AMONG
FAMILY MEMBERS AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS;

3.       CAN ENSURE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL'S RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
ARE CONSIDERED WHEN DIRECTING MEDICAL CARE;

4.       IS MOST EFFECTIVE IF COMPLETED IN CONSULTATION
WITH FAMILY MEMBERS, OR LEGAL AND RELIGIOUS ADVISORS, IF AN INDIVIDUAL
DESIRES;

5.       CAN BE REVOKED OR CHANGED AT ANY TIME;

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