New Hampshire Healthcare Laws
New Hampshire law does not specify who can make medical decisions for an incapacitated person in the absence of an advance directive.Under New Hampshire law, an adult may designate his or her same-sex partner to make medical decisions on his or her behalf. The advance directive shall be signed by the principal in the presence of either two or more subscribing witnesses or a notary public. § 137-J:14.
As of January 2008, same-sex partners will be able to enter into civil unions in New Hampshire and receive all the rights and benefits of marriage under state law.
Citation: Written Directives for Medical Decision Making for Adults Without Capacity to Make Healthcare Decisions: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 137-j:1 to 137-J:33 ; N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 137-H:1 to 137-H:16
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Last Updated: 4/30/2008