Health – Advance Care Planning and Advance Directives
Impact
The implications of HB14 are significant for state laws relating to health care and patient rights. With the introduction of coordinated advance care planning programs, Maryland aims to facilitate better accessibility and utilization of advance directives. This not only empowers individuals in making health care decisions but also promotes proactive engagement in their health care journey. Electronic access could potentially streamline documentation and information sharing among health care providers and systems, ultimately leading to better patient care outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 14, titled 'Health – Advance Care Planning and Advance Directives', aims to enhance the infrastructure for advance care planning in Maryland. The bill mandates that the Maryland Health Care Commission coordinate the implementation of advance care planning programs statewide. A major aspect of this bill is the requirement for health insurance carriers to offer electronic advance directives to their members and enrollees periodically, thus ensuring that individuals have accessible means to outline their health care preferences in a formal manner. Additionally, the bill allows carriers to contract with electronic advance directive services under certain standards set by the Commission.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB14 stem from concerns about privacy and security in handling electronic advance directives. While supporters advocate for the efficiency and accessibility offered through electronic means, critics point out potential risks associated with electronic data management, including unauthorized access to sensitive health information. These concerns underscore the necessity for stringent security measures and transparency in how patient data is handled under this new legislation.
Advance health care directives; creating the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act of 2026; establishing requirements for certain health care directives; effective date.