SB74

Senate Bill 74 amends the Arkansas Healthcare Decisions Act to explicitly authorize a healthcare surrogate to apply for public benefits, such as Medicare and Medicaid, on behalf of a principal. The bill grants surrogates access to the principal's financial records, including income, assets, and banking information, to the extent necessary to facilitate these applications. Surrogates are empowered to submit and execute applications, handle redeterminations of eligibility, and manage ongoing communications regarding these benefits. This authority must be granted by the principal in writing or recorded orally and must comply with federal confidentiality requirements. The surrogate's authority terminates if the principal regains decisional capacity, if a power of attorney or guardian with similar authority is appointed, or upon the principal's death.