The Arizona Revised Statutes have been updated to include the revised sections from the 56th Legislature, 1st Regular Session. Please note that the next update of this compilation will not take place until after the conclusion of the 56th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session, which convenes in January 2024.
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This online version of the Arizona Revised Statutes is primarily maintained for legislative drafting purposes and reflects the version of law that is effective on January 1st of the year following the most recent legislative session. The official version of the Arizona Revised Statutes is published by Thomson Reuters.
36-3281 - Mental health care power of attorney; scope; definition
36-3281. Mental health care power of attorney; scope; definition
A. An adult, known as the principal, pursuant to section 36-3282 may designate another adult or adults, known as the agent, to act as an agent and to make mental health care decisions on that person's behalf. The principal may also designate an alternate adult or adults to act as agent if the original designated agent or agents are unwilling or unable to act.
B. An agent under section 36-3283 may make decisions about mental health treatment on behalf of the principal if the principal is found incapable. If an adult does not have a mental health care power of attorney pursuant to this section, an agent with a health care power of attorney under section 36-3221 may make decisions about mental health treatment on behalf of the principal if the principal is found incapable, except as provided in section 36-3283, subsection F. These decisions shall be consistent with any wishes the principal has expressed in the mental health care directive, mental health care power of attorney, health care power of attorney or other advance directive.
C. An agent shall not be a person who is directly involved with the provision of health care to the principal at the time the mental health care power of attorney is executed.
D. For the purposes of this section, "incapable" means that in the opinion of a physician who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13 or 17 and who is a specialist in neurology or psychiatry or a psychologist who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 19.1, a person lacks the ability to give informed consent as defined in section 36-501.