(a) A person may file and have recorded a living will in the office of the judge of probate in the county where the person resides. For the purpose of this section, the term "living will" means an advanced directive for health care as provided for in this chapter, or a similar document.
(b) The fee for recording a living will shall be five dollars ($5), which shall be deposited in the county general fund. In addition, any other recording fees required by general or local law shall also be collected and shall be distributed as provided by that law.
(c)(1) A living will recorded pursuant to this section shall not be open for general public inspection, but shall be available for inspection and copying at the request of emergency medical personnel, hospital personnel, treating physicians, members of the immediate family, a person with a power of attorney or other legally authorized person, or a person authorized in writing by the maker of the living will. A judge of probate may charge the standard fee for copies provided pursuant to this subsection.
(2) A judge of probate shall not be liable for any inspection or copying of a living will recorded pursuant to this section. The recording of a living will as provided in this section shall have no bearing on the validity of the living will.
(d) This section does not amend or repeal the provisions of subsection (f) of Section 22-8A-4. It is the responsibility of the maker of a living will to provide a copy of the living will, advance directive for health care, or any similar document to his or her attending physician or other health care providers as provided therein. A physician, hospital, or other health care provider is not required by this section to search the records of the office of any judge of probate to determine the existence or nonexistence of a living will pertaining to individuals seeking medical care.
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