Frequently asked questions (and answers) about Hawaii's new Uniform Health Care Decisions Act (Modified)

The Hawaii Uniform Health Care Decisions Act (Modified) became law, effective July 1, 1999. The Act makes major changes the law pertaining to Advance Directives and surrogate decision-making. While some of the changes seem to be confusing, most practitioners should find the new law helpful in attempting to assure that the rights of their patients to self-determination and autonomy are preserved and their wishes are followed. Using a question and answer format, this article will provide a basic guide to the new law. The "frequently asked questions" and the answers follow a brief overview of the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act. For busy practitioners, a conclusion summarizes key points.