Senator Specter Introduces Bill To Create National Advance Directive Form

Senator Arlen Specter recently introduced the “Health Care Assurances Act” (S. 24).

Section 601 of the bill deals with a patient’s right to decline medical treatment.  The bill also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to develop a national advance directive form and a national durable power of attorney form, and would mandate that all health care providers honor these forms.