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Florida Healthcare Laws

A same-sex partner may make health care decisions for an incapacitated partner as a "close friend" under Florida law. However their authority to do so is only considered after contact has been attempted with several others (spouse, adult children, parents, siblings, etc.). § 765.401.

An adult may execute an advance directive designating who should have the authority to make medical decisions in the event they become incapacitated. The directive must be a written document signed by the principal in the presence of two subscribing adult witnesses. § 765.202

Citation: Healthcare Advance Directives: Absence of Advance Directive: Fla. Stat. Ann. § 765.401 and Florida Health Care Surrogate Act: Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 765.202 to 765.205

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Last Updated: 5/2/2008