A. An advance directive for mental health treatment is valid for purposes of the Mental Health Care Treatment Decisions Act if it complies with the provisions of that act, regardless of when or where executed or communicated.

Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 24-7B-16

  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Power of attorney: A written instrument which authorizes one person to act as another's agent or attorney. The power of attorney may be for a definite, specific act, or it may be general in nature. The terms of the written power of attorney may specify when it will expire. If not, the power of attorney usually expires when the person granting it dies. Source: OCC

B. The Mental Health Care Treatment 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, 2006.

C. Any mental health treatment or psychiatric advance directive, durable power of attorney for health 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.

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