Mississippi Healthcare Laws
Under Mississippi law, a partner is not explicitly given the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of their incapacitated same-sex partner. However, "an adult who has exhibited special care and concern for the patient, who is familiar with the patient's personal values, and who is reasonably available may act as surrogate" may make a decision if the spouse, adult children, parents or siblings cannot be contacted. § 41-41-211.An adult may identify his or her choice for a surrogate to the physician or may execute an advance healthcare directive. A valid directive should be in writing, contain the date of its execution, be signed by the principal, and be witnessed by two individuals or in the presence of a notary public. § 41-41-205.
Citation: Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act: Miss. Code Ann. §§ 41-41-201 to 41-41-229
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Last Updated: 5/1/2008