Texas HB1059 establishes presumption of validity for advance directives and outlines permissible forms for medical power of attorney.

Texas HB1059 amends the Health and Safety Code to establish a presumption of validity for advance directives unless actual knowledge to the contrary exists. It also outlines permissible forms for a medical power of attorney, requiring it to be written in plain language, allow for health care instructions, and designate primary and alternate agents. The bill mandates that the medical power of attorney be signed and dated in the presence of two witnesses, with at least one being a qualified witness. It also requires the document to be accepted as valid in at least 40 other states.

Texas HB1059 establishes presumption of validity for advance directives and outlines permissible forms for medical power of attorney.

Texas HB1059 amends the Health and Safety Code to establish a presumption of validity for advance directives unless actual knowledge to the contrary exists. It also outlines permissible forms for a medical power of attorney, requiring it to be written in plain language, allow for health care instructions, and designate primary and alternate agents. The bill mandates that the medical power of attorney be signed and dated in the presence of two witnesses, with at least one being a qualified witness. It also requires the document to be accepted as valid in at least 40 other states.