The Pennsylvania medical power of attorney enables an individual to establish instructions regarding end-of-life treatments and medications and to appoint an attorney-in-fact to make medical decisions on their behalf. The first part, durable health care power of attorney, is where the principal will enter the name of a trusted individual that they would like handling all health care matters for them in the event of incapacitation. The second part of the advance directive is known as a “living will” and allows the principal to choose which health care services they wish to receive if they have been diagnosed with an end-stage medical condition. This will help physicians and other health care professionals know if the principal wants to be resuscitated, provided with breathing machines, or administered nutrition and/or hydration artificially to aid in prolonging their life.
Laws – Chapter 54, Subchapters B and C
Signing Requirements – Two (2) Witnesses (§ 5452)
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