Maine Healthcare Laws
Under Maine law, "an adult who shares an emotional, physical and financial relationship with the patient similar to that of a spouse" may make certain medical decisions on behalf of his or her same-sex partner. § 5-805.An adult or emancipated minor with capacity may execute a power of attorney for health care, which may authorize a partner to make any health-care decision the principal could have made while having capacity. The power must be in writing and signed by the principal and 2 witnesses. § 5-802. An adult may also designate which individuals are to be considered "immediate family members" for the purpose of hospital visitation rights. tit. 22 § 1711-D.
Note that Maine also permits domestic partnership requirements: see tit. 22, § 2701 However, it does not appear that one must formally register as a domestic partner in order to make medical decisions as discussed above.
Citation: Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act: Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 18-A, §§ 5-801 to 5-817 and Designation of visitors in hospital settings: Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 22 § 1711-D
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Last Updated: 5/1/2008