SB1189 requires an ombudsperson to witness an advance health care directive for skilled nursing facility patients.

SB1189 amends Section 4675 of the Probate Code to mandate that an ombudsperson, designated by the California Department of Aging, must witness an advance health care directive for patients in skilled nursing facilities. The ombudsperson can sign as one of the two required witnesses or in addition to notarization. The ombudsperson may rely on representations from facility administrators or family members to confirm the patient's identity if it provides a reasonable basis.

SB1189 requires an ombudsperson to witness an advance health care directive for skilled nursing facility patients.

SB1189 amends Section 4675 of the Probate Code to mandate that an ombudsperson, designated by the California Department of Aging, must witness an advance health care directive for patients in skilled nursing facilities. The ombudsperson can sign as one of the two required witnesses or in addition to notarization. The ombudsperson may rely on representations from facility administrators or family members to confirm the patient's identity if it provides a reasonable basis.