Uniform Health-Care Decisions

NMSA 1978 ch. 24, art. 7A

in effect

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-1 Definitions

24-7A-1. Definitions As used in the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act: A. "advance health-care directive" means an individual instruction or a power of attorney for health care made, in either case, while the individual has capacity; B. "agent" means an individual designated in a power of attorney for health care to make a health-care decision for the individual granting the power; C. "capacity" means an individual's ability to understand and appreciate the nature and consequences of proposed health care, including its significant benefits, risks and alternatives to proposed health care and to make and communicate an informed health-care decision. A determination of lack of capacity shall be made only according to the provisions of Section 24-7A-11 NMSA 1978; D. "emancipated minor" means an individual between the ages of sixteen and eighteen who has been married, who is on active duty in the armed forces or who has been declared by court order to be emancipated; E. "guardian" means a judicially appointed guardian or conservator having authority to make a health-care decision for an individual; F. "health care" means any care, treatment, service or procedure to maintain, diagnose or otherwise affect an individual's physical or mental condition; G. "health-care decision" means a decision made by an individual or the individual's agent, guardian or surrogate, regarding the individual's health care, including: (1) selection and discharge of health-care practitioners and institutions; (2) approval or disapproval of diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, programs of medication and orders not to resuscitate; (3) directions relating to life-sustaining treatment, including withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment and the termination of life support; and (4) directions to provide, withhold or withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration and all other forms of health care; H. "health-care institution" means an institution, facility or agency licensed, certified or otherwise authorized or permitted by law to provide health care in the ordinary course of business; I. "health-care practitioner" means an individual licensed, certified or otherwise authorized or permitted by law to provide health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession; J. "individual instruction" means an individual's direction concerning a health-care decision for the individual made while the individual has capacity; K. "life-sustaining treatment" means any medical treatment or procedure without which the individual is likely to die within a relatively short time, as determined to a reasonable degree of medical certainty by the primary care practitioner; L. "person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, joint venture, government, governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality or any other legal or commercial entity; M. "physician" means an individual authorized to practice medicine or osteopathy; N. "power of attorney for health care" means the designation of an agent to make health-care decisions for the individual granting the power, made while the individual has capacity; O. "primary care practitioner" means a health-care practitioner designated by an individual or the individual's agent, guardian or surrogate to have primary responsibility for the individual's health care; P. "principal" means an adult or emancipated minor who, while having capacity, has made a power of attorney for health care by which the adult or emancipated minor delegates the right to make health-care decisions for the adult or emancipated minor to an agent; Q. "protected person" means an adult or emancipated minor for whom a guardian has been appointed; R. "qualified health-care professional" means a health-care practitioner who is a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, nurse, psychologist or social worker; S. "reasonably available" means readily able to be contacted without undue effort and willing and able to act in a timely manner considering the urgency of the patient's health-care needs; T. "state" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; U. "supervising health-care practitioner" means the primary care practitioner, or if there is no primary care practitioner or if the primary care practitioner is not reasonably available, the health-care practitioner who has undertaken primary responsibility for an individual's health care; and V. "surrogate" means an individual, other than a patient's agent or guardian, authorized under the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act to make a health-care decision for the patient. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 1; 1997, ch. 168, § 1; 2009, ch. 159, § 1; 2015, ch. 116, § 4.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-2 Advance health-care directives

24-7A-2. Advance health-care directives A. An adult or emancipated minor, while having capacity, has the right to make his or her own health-care decisions and may give an individual instruction. The instruction may be oral or written; if oral, it must be made by personally informing a health-care provider. The instruction may be limited to take effect only if a specified condition arises. B. An adult or emancipated minor, while having capacity, may execute a power of attorney for health care, which may authorize the agent 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. The power remains in effect notwithstanding the principal's later incapacity under the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act or Article 5 of the Uniform Probate Code [Chapter 45, Article 5 NMSA 1978]. The power may include individual instructions. Unless related to the principal by blood, marriage or adoption, an agent may not be an owner, operator or employee of a health-care institution at which the principal is receiving care. C. Unless otherwise specified in a power of attorney for health care, the authority of an agent becomes effective only upon a determination that the principal lacks capacity, and ceases to be effective upon a determination that the principal has recovered capacity. D. Unless otherwise specified in a written advance health-care directive, a determination that an individual lacks or has recovered capacity or that another condition exists that affects an individual instruction or the authority of an agent, shall be made according to the provisions of Section 11 [24-7A-11 NMSA 1978] of the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act. E. An agent shall make a health-care decision in accordance with the principal's individual instructions, if any, and other wishes to the extent known to the agent. Otherwise, the agent shall make the decision in accordance with the agent's determination of the principal's best interest. In determining the principal's best interest, the agent shall consider the principal's personal values to the extent known to the agent. F. A health-care decision made by an agent for a principal is effective without judicial approval. G. A written advance health-care directive may include the individual's nomination of a guardian of the person. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 2.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-2.1 Prohibited practice

24-7A-2.1. Prohibited practice A. No insurer or other provider of benefits regulated by the New Mexico Insurance Code [Chapter 59A NMSA 1978, except for Articles 30A and 42A] or a state agency shall require a person to execute or revoke an advance health-care directive as a condition for membership in, being insured for or receiving coverage or benefits under an insurance contract or plan. B. No insurer may condition the sale, procurement or issuance of a policy, plan, contract, certificate or other evidence of coverage, or entry into a pension, profit-sharing, retirement, employment or similar benefit plan, upon the execution or revocation of an advance health-care directive; nor shall the existence of an advance health-care directive modify the terms of an existing policy, plan, contract, certificate or other evidence of coverage of insurance. C. The provisions of this section shall be enforced by the superintendent of insurance under the New Mexico Insurance Code. Laws 1997, ch. 168, § 14.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-3 Revocation of advance health-care directive

24-7A-3. Revocation of advance health-care directive A. An individual, while having capacity, may revoke the designation of an agent either by a signed writing or by personally informing the supervising health-care provider. If the individual cannot sign, a written revocation must be signed for the individual and be witnessed by two witnesses, each of whom has signed at the direction and in the presence of the individual and of each other. B. An individual, while having capacity, may revoke all or part of an advance health-care directive, other than the designation of an agent, at any time and in any manner that communicates an intent to revoke. C. A health-care provider, agent, guardian or surrogate who is informed of a revocation shall promptly communicate the fact of the revocation to the supervising health-care provider and to any health-care institution at which the patient is receiving care. D. The filing of a petition for or a decree of annulment, divorce, dissolution of marriage or legal separation revokes a previous designation of a spouse as agent unless otherwise specified in the decree or in a power of attorney for health care. A designation revoked solely by this subsection is revived by the individual's remarriage to the former spouse, by a nullification of the divorce, annulment or legal separation or by the dismissal or withdrawal, with the individual's consent, of a petition seeking annulment, divorce, dissolution of marriage or legal separation. E. An advance health-care directive that conflicts with an earlier advance health-care directive revokes the earlier directive to the extent of the conflict. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 3; 1997, ch. 168, § 2.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-4 Optional form

24-7A-4. Optional form The following form may, but need not, be used to create an advance health-care directive. The other sections of the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act govern the effect of this or any other writing used to create an advance health-care directive. An individual may complete or modify all or any part of the following form: " OPTIONAL ADVANCE HEALTH-CARE DIRECTIVE Explanation You have the right to give instructions about your own health care. You also have the right to name someone else to make health-care decisions for you. This form lets you do either or both of these things. It also lets you express your wishes regarding the designation of your primary care practitioner. THIS FORM IS OPTIONAL. Each paragraph and word of this form is also optional. If you use this form, you may cross out, complete or modify all or any part of it. You are free to use a different form. If you use this form, be sure to sign it and date it. PART 1 of this form is a power of attorney for health care. PART 1 lets you name another individual as agent to make health-care decisions for you if you become incapable of making your own decisions or if you want someone else to make those decisions for you now even though you are still capable. You may also name an alternate agent to act for you if your first choice is not willing, able or reasonably available to make decisions for you. Unless related to you, your agent may not be an owner, operator or employee of a health-care institution at which you are receiving care. Unless the form you sign limits the authority of your agent, your agent may make all health-care decisions for you. This form has a place for you to limit the authority of your agent. You need not limit the authority of your agent if you wish to rely on your agent for all health-care decisions that may have to be made. If you choose not to limit the authority of your agent, your agent will have the right to: (a) consent or refuse consent to any care, treatment, service or procedure to maintain, diagnose or otherwise affect a physical or mental condition; (b) select or discharge health-care practitioners and institutions; (c) approve or disapprove diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, programs of medication and orders not to resuscitate; and (d) direct the provision, withholding or withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration and all other forms of health care. PART 2 of this form lets you give specific instructions about any aspect of your health care. Choices are provided for you to express your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, including the provision of artificial nutrition and hydration, as well as the provision of pain relief. In addition, you may express your wishes regarding whether you want to make an anatomical gift of some or all of your organs and tissue. Space is also provided for you to add to the choices you have made or for you to write out any additional wishes. PART 3 of this form lets you designate a primary care practitioner to have primary responsibility for your health care. After completing this form, sign and date the form at the end. It is recommended but not required that you request two other individuals to sign as witnesses. Give a copy of the signed and completed form to your physician, to any other health-care practitioners you may have, to any health-care institution at which you are receiving care and to any health-care agents you have named. You should talk to the person you have named as agent to make sure that he or she understands your wishes and is willing to take the responsibility. You have the right to revoke this advance health-care directive or replace this form at any time. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * PART 1 POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE (1) DESIGNATION OF AGENT: I designate the following individual as my agent to make health-care decisions for me: ___________________________________________________________________________________ (name of individual you choose as agent) ___________________________________________________________________________________ (address) (city) (state) (zip code) ___________________________________________________________________________________ (home phone) (work phone) If I revoke my agent's authority or if my agent is not willing, able or reasonably available to make a health-care decision for me, I designate as my first alternate agent: ___________________________________________________________________________________ (name of individual you choose as first alternate agent) ___________________________________________________________________________________ (address) (city) (state) (zip code) ___________________________________________________________________________________ (home phone) (work phone) If I revoke the authority of my agent and first alternate agent or if neither is willing, able or reasonably available to make a health-care decision for me, I designate as my second alternate agent: ___________________________________________________________________________________ (name of individual you choose as second alternate agent) ___________________________________________________________________________________ (address) (city) (state) (zip code) ___________________________________________________________________________________ (home phone) (work phone) (2) AGENT'S AUTHORITY: My agent is authorized to obtain and review medical records, reports and information about me and to make all health-care decisions for me, including decisions to provide, withhold or withdraw artificial nutrition, hydration and all other forms of health care to keep me alive, except as I state here: ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ (Add additional sheets if needed.) (3) WHEN AGENT'S AUTHORITY BECOMES EFFECTIVE: My agent's authority becomes effective when my primary care practitioner and one other qualified health-care professional determine that I am unable to make my own health-care decisions. If I initial this box [], my agent's authority to make health-care decisions for me takes effect immediately. (4) AGENT'S OBLIGATION: My agent shall make health-care decisions for me in accordance with this power of attorney for health care, any instructions I give in PART 2 of this form and my other wishes to the extent known to my agent. To the extent my wishes are unknown, my agent shall make health-care decisions for me in accordance with what my agent determines to be in my best interest. In determining my best interest, my agent shall consider my personal values to the extent known to my agent. (5) NOMINATION OF GUARDIAN: If a guardian of my person needs to be appointed for me by a court, I nominate the agent designated in this form. If that agent is not willing, able or reasonably available to act as guardian, I nominate the alternate agents whom I have named, in the order designated. PART 2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE If you are satisfied to allow your agent to determine what is best for you in making end-of-life decisions, you need not fill out this part of the form. If you do fill out this part of the form, you may cross out any wording you do not want. (6) END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS: If I am unable to make or communicate decisions regarding my health care, and IF (i) I have an incurable or irreversible condition that will result in my death within a relatively short time, OR (ii) I become unconscious and, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, I will not regain consciousness, OR (iii) the likely risks and burdens of treatment would outweigh the expected benefits, THEN I direct that my health-care practitioners and others involved in my care provide, withhold or withdraw treatment in accordance with the choice I have initialed below in one of the following three boxes: [] I CHOOSE NOT To Prolong Life I do not want my life to be prolonged. [] I CHOOSE To Prolong Life I want my life to be prolonged as long as possible within the limits of generally accepted health-care standards. [] I CHOOSE To Let My Agent Decide My agent under my power of attorney for health care may make life-sustaining treatment decisions for me. (7) ARTIFICIAL NUTRITION AND HYDRATION: If I have chosen above NOT to prolong life, I also specify by marking my initials below: [] I DO NOT want artificial nutrition OR [] I DO want artificial nutrition. [] I DO NOT want artificial hydration unless required for my comfort OR [] I DO want artificial hydration. (8) RELIEF FROM PAIN: Regardless of the choices I have made in this form and except as I state in the following space, I direct that the best medical care possible to keep me clean, comfortable and free of pain or discomfort be provided at all times so that my dignity is maintained, even if this care hastens my death: ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ (9) ANATOMICAL GIFT DESIGNATION: Upon my death I specify as marked below whether I choose to make an anatomical gift of all or some of my organs or tissue: [] I CHOOSE to make an anatomical gift of all of my organs or tissue to be determined by medical suitability at the time of death, and artificial support may be maintained long enough for organs to be removed. [] I CHOOSE to make a partial anatomical gift of some of my organs and tissue as specified below, and artificial support may be maintained long enough for organs to be removed. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ [] I REFUSE to make an anatomical gift of any of my organs or tissue. [] I CHOOSE to let my agent decide. (10) OTHER WISHES: (If you wish to write your own instructions, or if you wish to add to the instructions you have given above, you may do so here.) I direct that: ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ (Add additional sheets if needed.) PART 3 PRIMARY CARE PRACTITIONER (11) I designate the following as my primary care practitioner: ___________________________________________________________________________________ (name of primary care practitioner) ___________________________________________________________________________________ (address) (city) (state) (zip code) ___________________________________________________________________________________ (phone) If the primary care practitioner I have designated above is not willing, able or reasonably available to act as my primary care practitioner, I designate the following as my primary care practitioner: ___________________________________________________________________________________ (name of primary care practitioner) ___________________________________________________________________________________ (address) (city) (state) (zip code) ___________________________________________________________________________________ (phone) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * (12) EFFECT OF COPY: A copy of this form has the same effect as the original. (13) REVOCATION: I understand that I may revoke this OPTIONAL ADVANCE HEALTH-CARE DIRECTIVE at any time, and that if I revoke it, I should promptly notify my supervising health-care practitioner and any health-care institution where I am receiving care and any others to whom I have given copies of this power of attorney. I understand that I may revoke the designation of an agent either by a signed writing or by personally informing the supervising health-care practitioner. (14) SIGNATURES: Sign and date the form here: __________________________________ ______________________________________ (date) (sign your name) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (address) (print your name) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (city) (state) (your social security number) (Optional) SIGNATURES OF WITNESSES: First witness Second witness __________________________________ ______________________________________ (print name) (print name) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (address) (address) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (city) (state) (city) (state) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (signature of witness) (signature of witness) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (date) (date)". __________________________________ ______________________________________ (date) (sign your name) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (address) (print your name) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (city) (state) (your social security number) (Optional) SIGNATURES OF WITNESSES: First witness Second witness __________________________________ ______________________________________ (print name) (print name) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (address) (address) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (city) (state) (city) (state) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (signature of witness) (signature of witness) __________________________________ ______________________________________ (date) (date)". Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 4; 1997, ch. 168, § 3; 2000, ch. 54, § 9; 2015, ch. 116, § 5.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-5 Decisions by surrogate

24-7A-5. Decisions by surrogate A. A surrogate may make a health-care decision for a patient who is an adult or emancipated minor if the patient has been determined according to the provisions of Section 24-7A-11 NMSA 1978 to lack capacity and no agent or guardian has been appointed or the agent or guardian is not reasonably available. B. An adult or emancipated minor, while having capacity, may designate any individual to act as surrogate by personally informing the supervising health-care provider. In the absence of a designation or if the designee is not reasonably available, any member of the following classes of the patient's family who is reasonably available, in descending order of priority, may act as surrogate: (1) the spouse, unless legally separated or unless there is a pending petition for annulment, divorce, dissolution of marriage or legal separation; (2) an individual in a long-term relationship of indefinite duration with the patient in which the individual has demonstrated an actual commitment to the patient similar to the commitment of a spouse and in which the individual and the patient consider themselves to be responsible for each other's well-being; (3) an adult child; (4) a parent; (5) an adult brother or sister; or (6) a grandparent. C. If none of the individuals eligible to act as surrogate under Subsection B of this section is reasonably available, 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. D. A surrogate shall communicate his assumption of authority as promptly as practicable to the patient, to members of the patient's family specified in Subsection B of this section who can be readily contacted and to the supervising health-care provider. E. If more than one member of a class assumes authority to act as surrogate and they do not agree on a health-care decision and the supervising health-care provider is so informed, the supervising health-care provider shall comply with the decision of a majority of the members of that class who have communicated their views to the provider. If the class is evenly divided concerning the health-care decision and the supervising health-care provider is so informed, that class and all individuals having lower priority are disqualified from making the decision. F. A surrogate shall make a health-care decision in accordance with the patient's individual instructions, if any, and other wishes to the extent known to the surrogate. Otherwise, the surrogate shall make the decision in accordance with the surrogate's determination of the patient's best interest. In determining the patient's best interest, the surrogate shall consider the patient's personal values to the extent known to the surrogate. G. A health-care decision made by a surrogate for a patient shall not be made solely on the basis of the patient's pre-existing physical or medical condition or pre-existing or projected disability. H. A health-care decision made by a surrogate for a patient is effective without judicial approval. I. A patient, at any time, may disqualify any person, including a member of the patient's family, from acting as the patient's surrogate by a signed writing or by personally informing a health-care provider of the disqualification. A health-care provider who is informed by the patient of a disqualification shall promptly communicate the fact of disqualification to the supervising health-care provider and to any health-care institution at which the patient is receiving care. J. Unless related to the patient by blood, marriage or adoption, a surrogate may not be an owner, operator or employee of a health-care institution at which the patient is receiving care. K. A supervising health-care provider may require an individual claiming the right to act as surrogate for a patient to provide a written declaration under penalty of perjury stating facts and circumstances reasonably sufficient to establish the claimed authority. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 5; 1997, ch. 168, § 4.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-6 Decisions by guardian

24-7A-6. Decisions by guardian A. A guardian shall comply with the protected person's individual instructions made while the protected person had capacity and shall not disregard the protected person's preferences contained in an advance health-care directive unless the appointing court expressly so authorizes after notice to the agent, if any, and the protected person. The court may disregard such preferences if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the preferences do not accurately reflect the free choice of the protected person at the time of making the individual instructions or that the protected person revoked the individual instructions while the protected person had capacity pursuant to Subsection B of Section 24-7A-3 NMSA 1978. This provision does not affect the court's ability to grant relief pursuant to a petition as provided in Section 24-7A-14 NMSA 1978. B. A health-care decision of an agent appointed by a person having capacity takes precedence over that of a guardian, unless the appointing court expressly directs otherwise after notice to the agent and the protected person. C. Subject to the provisions of Subsections A and B of this section, a health-care decision made by a guardian for the protected person is effective without judicial approval, if the appointing court has expressly authorized the guardian to make health-care decisions for the protected person, in accordance with the provisions of Section 45-5-312 NMSA 1978, after notice to the protected person and any agent. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 6; 2009, ch. 159, § 2.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-6.1 Life-sustaining treatment for unemancipated minors

24-7A-6.1. Life-sustaining treatment for unemancipated minors A. Except as otherwise provided by law, a parent or guardian of an unemancipated minor may make that minor's health-care decisions. B. A parent or guardian of an unemancipated minor shall have the authority to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment for the unemancipated minor, subject to the provisions of this section and the standards for surrogate decision-making for adults provided for in the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act. C. Subject to the provisions of Subsection B of this section, if an unemancipated minor has capacity sufficient to understand the nature of that unemancipated minor's medical condition, the risks and benefits of treatment and the contemplated decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment, that unemancipated minor shall have the authority to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment. D. For purposes of Subsection C of this section, a determination of the mental and emotional capacity of an unemancipated minor shall be determined by two qualified health-care professionals, one of whom shall be the unemancipated minor's primary care practitioner and the other of whom shall be a health-care practitioner that works with unemancipated minors of the minor's age in the ordinary course of that health-care practitioner's practice. If the unemancipated minor lacks capacity due to mental illness or developmental disability, one of the qualified health-care professionals shall be a person whose training and expertise aid in the assessment of functional impairment. E. If the unemancipated minor's primary care practitioner has reason to believe that a parent or guardian of an unemancipated minor, including a non-custodial parent, has not been informed of a decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment, the primary care practitioner shall make reasonable efforts to determine if the uninformed parent or guardian has maintained substantial and continuous contact with the unemancipated minor and, if so, shall make reasonable efforts to notify that parent or guardian before implementing a decision. F. If there is disagreement regarding the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment for an unemancipated minor, the provisions of Section 24-7A-11 NMSA 1978 shall apply. Laws 1997, ch. 168, § 13; 2009, ch. 220, § 2; 2015, ch. 116, § 6.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-6.2 Consent to health care for certain minors fourteen years of age or older

24-7A-6.2. Consent to health care for certain minors fourteen years of age or older A. An unemancipated minor fourteen years of age or older who has capacity to consent may give consent for medically necessary health care; provided that the minor is: (1) living apart from the minor's parents or legal guardian; or (2) the parent of a child. B. For purposes of this section, "medically necessary health care" means clinical and rehabilitative, physical, mental or behavioral health services that are: (1) essential to prevent, diagnose or treat medical conditions or that are essential to enable an unemancipated minor to attain, maintain or regain functional capacity; (2) delivered in the amount and setting with the duration and scope that is clinically appropriate to the specific physical, mental and behavioral health-care needs of the minor; (3) provided within professionally accepted standards of practice and national guidelines; and (4) required to meet the physical, mental and behavioral health needs of the minor, but not primarily required for convenience of the minor, health-care provider or payer. C. The consent of the unemancipated minor to examination or treatment pursuant to this section shall not be disaffirmed because of minority. D. The parent or legal guardian of an unemancipated minor who receives medically necessary health care is not liable for payment for those services unless the parent or legal guardian has consented to such medically necessary health care; provided that the provisions of this subsection do not relieve a parent or legal guardian of liability for payment for emergency health care provided to an unemancipated minor. E. A health-care provider or a health-care institution shall not be liable for reasonably relying on statements made by an unemancipated minor that the minor is eligible to give consent pursuant to Subsection A of this section. F. Nothing in this section shall otherwise limit the rights of an unemancipated minor to consent to treatment, nor shall this section be read to conflict with the rights of parents and children pursuant to the Children's Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Act [32A-6A-1 to 32A-6A-30 NMSA 1978]. 1978 Comp., § 24-7A-6.2, as enacted by Laws 2009, ch. 220, § 3.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-7 Obligations of health-care practitioner

24-7A-7. Obligations of health-care practitioner A. Before implementing a health-care decision made for a patient, a supervising health-care practitioner shall promptly communicate to the patient the decision made and the identity of the person making the decision. B. A supervising health-care practitioner who knows of the existence of an advance health-care directive, a revocation of an advance health-care directive, a challenge to a determination of lack of capacity or a designation or disqualification of a surrogate shall promptly record its existence in the patient's health-care record and, if it is in writing, shall request a copy and, if one is furnished, shall arrange for its maintenance in the health-care record. C. A supervising health-care practitioner who makes or is informed of a determination that a patient lacks or has recovered capacity or that another condition exists that affects an individual instruction or the authority of an agent, guardian or surrogate shall promptly record the determination in the patient's health-care record and communicate the determination to the patient and to any person then authorized to make health-care decisions for the patient. D. Except as provided in Subsections E and F of this section, a health-care practitioner or health-care institution providing care to a patient shall comply: (1) before and after the patient is determined to lack capacity, with an individual instruction of the patient made while the patient had capacity; (2) with a reasonable interpretation of the individual instruction made by a person then authorized to make health-care decisions for the patient; and (3) with a health-care decision for the patient that is not contrary to an individual instruction of the patient and is made by a person then authorized to make health-care decisions for the patient, to the same extent as if the decision had been made by the patient while having capacity. E. A health-care practitioner may decline to comply with an individual instruction or health-care decision for reasons of conscience. A health-care institution may decline to comply with an individual instruction or health-care decision if the instruction or decision is contrary to a policy of the health-care institution that is expressly based on reasons of conscience and if the policy was timely communicated to the patient or to a person then authorized to make health-care decisions for the patient. F. A health-care practitioner or health-care institution may decline to comply with an individual instruction or health-care decision that requires medically ineffective health care or health care contrary to generally accepted health-care standards applicable to the health-care practitioner or health-care institution. "Medically ineffective health care" means treatment that would not offer the patient any significant benefit, as determined by a health-care practitioner. G. A health-care practitioner or health-care institution that declines to comply with an individual instruction or health-care decision shall: (1) promptly so inform the patient, if possible, and any person then authorized to make health-care decisions for the patient; (2) provide continuing care to the patient until a transfer can be effected; and (3) unless the patient or person then authorized to make health-care decisions for the patient refuses assistance, immediately make all reasonable efforts to assist in the transfer of the patient to another health-care practitioner or health-care institution that is willing to comply with the individual instruction or decision. H. A health-care practitioner or health-care institution may not require or prohibit the execution or revocation of an advance health-care directive as a condition for providing health care. I. The Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act does not require or permit a health-care institution or health-care practitioner to provide any type of health care for which the health-care institution or health-care practitioner is not licensed, certified or otherwise authorized or permitted by law to provide. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 7; 1997, ch. 168, § 5; 2015, ch. 116, § 7.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-8 Health-care information

24-7A-8. Health-care information Unless otherwise specified in an advance health-care directive, a person then authorized to make health-care decisions for a patient has the same rights as the patient to request, receive, examine, copy and consent to the disclosure of medical or any other health-care information. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 8.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-9 Immunities

24-7A-9. Immunities A. A health-care provider or health-care institution acting in good faith and in accordance with generally accepted health-care standards applicable to the health-care provider or health-care institution is not subject to civil or criminal liability or to discipline for unprofessional conduct for: (1) complying or attempting to comply with a health-care decision of a person apparently having authority to make a health-care decision for a patient, including a decision to withhold or withdraw health care or make an anatomical gift; (2) declining to comply with a health-care decision of a person based on a belief that the person then lacked authority; (3) complying or attempting to comply with an advance health-care directive and assuming that the directive was valid when made and has not been revoked or terminated; (4) declining to comply with a health-care directive as permitted by Subsection E or F of Section 24-7A-7 NMSA 1978; or (5) complying or attempting to comply with any other provision of the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act. B. An individual acting as agent, guardian or surrogate under the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act is not subject to civil or criminal liability or to discipline for unprofessional conduct for health-care decisions made in good faith. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 9; 2000, ch. 54, § 10.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-10 Statutory damages

24-7A-10. Statutory damages A. A health-care provider or health-care institution that intentionally violates the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act is subject to liability to the aggrieved individual for damages of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or actual damages resulting from the violation, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney fees. B. A person who intentionally falsifies, forges, conceals, defaces or obliterates an individual's advance health-care directive or a revocation of an advance health-care directive without the individual's consent or a person who coerces or fraudulently induces an individual to give, revoke or not give or revoke an advance health-care directive is subject to liability to that individual for damages of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or actual damages resulting from the action, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney fees. C. The damages provided in this section are in addition to other types of relief available under other law, including civil and criminal law and law providing for disciplinary procedures. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 10; 1997, ch. 168, § 6.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-11 Capacity

24-7A-11. Capacity A. The Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act does not affect the right of an individual to make health-care decisions while having capacity to do so. B. An individual is presumed to have capacity to make a health-care decision, to give or revoke an advance health-care directive and to designate a surrogate. C. Unless otherwise specified in a written advance health-care directive, a determination that an individual lacks or has recovered capacity or that another condition exists that affects an individual instruction or the authority of an agent shall be made by two qualified health-care professionals, one of whom shall be the primary care practitioner. If the lack of capacity is determined to exist because of mental illness or developmental disability, one of the qualified health-care professionals shall be a person whose training and expertise aid in the assessment of functional impairment. D. An individual shall not be determined to lack capacity solely on the basis that the individual chooses not to accept the treatment recommended by a health-care practitioner. E. An individual, at any time, may challenge a determination that the individual lacks capacity by a signed writing or by personally informing a health-care practitioner of the challenge. A health-care practitioner who is informed by the individual of a challenge shall promptly communicate the fact of the challenge to the supervising health-care practitioner and to any health-care institution at which the individual is receiving care. Such a challenge shall prevail unless otherwise ordered by the court in a proceeding brought pursuant to the provisions of Section 24-7A-14 NMSA 1978. F. A determination of lack of capacity under the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act shall not be evidence of incapacity under the provisions of Article 5 of the Uniform Probate Code [Chapter 45 NMSA 1978]. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 11; 1997, ch. 168, § 7; 2015, ch. 116, § 8.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-12 Effect of copy

24-7A-12. Effect of copy A copy of a written advance health-care directive, revocation of an advance health-care directive or designation or disqualification of a surrogate has the same effect as the original. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 12.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-13 Effect of the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act

24-7A-13. Effect of the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act A. The Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act does not create a presumption concerning the intention of an individual who has not made or who has revoked an advance health-care directive. B. Death resulting from the withholding or withdrawal of health care in accordance with the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act does not for any purpose: (1) constitute a suicide, a homicide or other crime; or (2) legally impair or invalidate a governing instrument, notwithstanding any term of the governing instrument to the contrary. "Governing instrument" means a deed, will, trust, insurance or annuity policy, account with POD (payment on death designation), security registered in beneficiary form (TOD), pension, profit-sharing, retirement, employment or similar benefit plan, instrument creating or exercising a power of appointment or a dispositive, appointive or nominative instrument of any similar type. C. The Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act does not authorize mercy killing, assisted suicide, euthanasia or the provision, withholding or withdrawal of health care, to the extent prohibited by other statutes of this state. D. The Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act does not authorize or require a health-care provider or health-care institution to provide health care contrary to generally accepted health-care standards applicable to the health-care provider or health-care institution. E. The Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act does not authorize an agent or surrogate to consent to the admission of an individual to a mental health-care facility. If the individual's written advance health-care directive expressly permits treatment in a mental health-care facility, the agent or surrogate may present the individual to a facility for evaluation for admission. F. The Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act does not affect other statutes of this state governing treatment for mental illness of an individual admitted to a mental health-care institution. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 13; 1997, ch. 168, § 8.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-14 Judicial relief

24-7A-14. Judicial relief On petition of a patient, the patient's agent, guardian or surrogate, a health-care provider or health-care institution involved with the patient's care, an individual described in Subsection B or C of Section 24-7A-5 NMSA 1978, the district court may enjoin or direct a health-care decision or order other equitable relief. A proceeding under this section is governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure for the District Courts. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 14; 1997, ch. 168, § 9.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-15 Uniformity of application and construction

24-7A-15. Uniformity of application and construction The Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act shall be applied and construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject matter of that act among states enacting it. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 15.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-16 Transitional provisions

24-7A-16. Transitional provisions A. An advance health-care directive is valid for purposes of the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act if it complies with the provisions of that act, regardless of when or where executed or communicated. B. The Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act does not impair a guardianship, living will, durable power of attorney, right-to-die statement or declaration or other advance directive for health-care decisions that is in effect before July 1, 1995. C. Any advance directive, durable power of attorney for heath care decisions, living will, right-to-die statement or declaration or similar document that is executed in another state or jurisdiction in compliance with the laws of that state or jurisdiction shall be deemed valid and enforceable in this state to the same extent as if it were properly made in this state. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 16; 1997, ch. 168, § 10.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-17 Short title

24-7A-17. Short title Chapter 24, Article 7A NMSA 1978 may be cited as the "Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act". Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 17; 2009, ch. 159, § 3; 2009, ch. 220, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 24-7A-18 Severability

24-7A-18. Severability If any provision of the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of that act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of that act are severable. Laws 1995, ch. 182, § 18.

Source: New Mexico Compilation Commission (nmonesource.com)URL: https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa-unanno/en/item/18524/index.doFetched: 10/20/2026