Living Wills and Advance Directives in Pennsylvania
How to make a valid living will (advance directive) and medical power of attorney in Pennsylvania, with the official form.
Short answer: Pennsylvania recognizes a living will, which may be combined with a health care power of attorney. It may be made by a person of sound mind who is 18 or older, has graduated from high school, is married, or is an emancipated minor. 20 Pa.C.S. §§ 5442, 5465, 5471
| Living will / advance directive | Pennsylvania recognizes a living will, which may be combined with a health care power of attorney. It may be made by a person of sound mind who is 18 or older, has graduated from high school, is married, or is an emancipated minor. It must be dated and signed by the person (or by another at the person's direction) and witnessed by two individuals who are each 18 or older; a person who signs on the principal's behalf may not also be a witness. No notarization is required. The statute includes an example combined form, but any written form containing the required information may be used. Source: 20 Pa.C.S. §§ 5442, 5465, 5471 |
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| Medical power of attorney | Pennsylvania calls it a health care power of attorney, naming a health care agent. The same eligibility and signing rules apply as for a living will: dated, signed by the principal (or another at the principal's direction), and witnessed by two adults; a health care provider (or its agent) who provides care to the principal may not sign on the principal's behalf. No notarization is required. An example combined living will and health care power of attorney form is printed in the statute. Source: 20 Pa.C.S. §§ 5452, 5465, 5471 |
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FAQ
How do I make a living will in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania recognizes a living will, which may be combined with a health care power of attorney. It may be made by a person of sound mind who is 18 or older, has graduated from high school, is married, or is an emancipated minor. It must be dated and signed by the person (or by another at the person's direction) and witnessed by two individuals who are each 18 or older; a person who signs on the principal's behalf may not also be a witness. No notarization is required. The statute includes an example combined form, but any written form containing the required information may be used.
How do I make a medical power of attorney in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania calls it a health care power of attorney, naming a health care agent. The same eligibility and signing rules apply as for a living will: dated, signed by the principal (or another at the principal's direction), and witnessed by two adults; a health care provider (or its agent) who provides care to the principal may not sign on the principal's behalf. No notarization is required. An example combined living will and health care power of attorney form is printed in the statute.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.