Advance Directives: Living Wills & Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care in Pennsylvania

"Patients have the right to make their own decisions about the health care they receive. This right is not lost even after the patient becomes unconscious or incompetent. An advance directive is a legal document which communicates an individuals medical decisions and/or appoints someone else to make decisions on his or her behalf should the individual become incapacitated and either permanently unconscious or terminally ill. To be effective, advance directives must comply with state statutes.
 
In Pennsylvania, a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care are authorized by the Advance Directive for Health Care Act (the "Act"). The Act provides that it is not intended to condone or authorize mercy killings or to authorize euthanasia. It creates no presumption about the wishes of a person ..."

Making Decisions About Your Care and Treatment: Your Rights as a Patient in PA

"In Pennsylvania, competent adults have the right to decide whether to accept, reject, or discontinue medical care and treatment. If you do not wish to undergo a certain procedure or to receive a certain type of treatment, you have the right to make your wishes known to your doctor or other health care provider and generally to have those wishes respected.
 
There may be times, however, when a person cannot make his or her wishes known to a health care provider. For example, a person may be unconscious or too badly injured to tell his or her doctor what kind of care or treatment ..."

Pennsylvania Advance Health Care Directive. Making Personal Decision

"Today, you are able to make your own choices regarding medical care. But what if an accident or physical illness left you incapable of making decisions or communicating you wishes? Have you thought about what you would want in such a situation? ...
 
When you are admitted to the hospital, a member of the health care team will ask if you have an advance directive -- a living will or a durable power of attorney. Federal law requires that hospitals ask patients who are admitted whether or not they have an advance directive. You are not required to have an advance directive, it is your decision. ..."

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