May 26, 2004

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis, MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 352 - Health Care Decisions - "Patient's Plan of Care" Form - Communication of Patient Preferences.

This bill authorizes specified health care providers to prepare specified forms under specified circumstances; requiring the Office of the Attorney General to develop a "Patient's Plan of Care" form that summarizes the plan of care for an individual; specifying that the form is voluntary; requiring the form to be consistent with specified health care decisions; providing that the form may be completed by a health care provider under supervision.

House Bill 556, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 26, 2004, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 352.

Very truly yours,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor