Senate Sponsors: CULLERTON-OBAMA-MADIGAN,L AND MOLARO. House Sponsors: FEIGENHOLTZ-CROTTY Short description: HLTH CARE SURROGATE-CONTACTS Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Amends the Health Care Surrogate Act. In provisions concerning a health care provider's reasonable inquiry as to the availability of possible surrogates, provides that a "reasonable inquiry" might include identifying a family member by examining the patient's personal effects or medical records. Requires that an attempt to contact a family member must be made within 24 hours after a determination that a patient lacks decisional capacity. Effective immediately. SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Replaces the amendatory provisions concerning a "reasonable inquiry". Provides that a reasonable inquiry includes, but is not limited to, identifying a member of the patient's family or other health care agent by examining the patient's personal effects or medical records. Provides that if a family member or other health care agent is identified, an attempt to contact that person by telephone must be made within 24 hours after a determination by the provider that the patient lacks decisional capacity. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Provides that no person shall be liable for civil damages or subject to professional discipline based on a claim of violating a patient's right to confidentiality as a result of making a reasonable inquiry as to the availability of a patient's family member or health care agent, except for willful or wanton misconduct. Last action on Bill: PUBLIC ACT.............................. 92-0364 Last action date: AUG-15-2001 Location: Senate Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 1 SENATE - 1 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status