Why do you need a living will and health care power of attorney (called an advance directive in Pennsylvania)?

If you become unable to direct your own medical care because of illness, an accident, or advanced age, the right legal documents are your lifeline. When you don't write down your wishes about the kinds of medical treatment you want and name someone you trust to oversee your care, these important matters can be placed in the hands of estranged family members, doctors, or sometimes even judges, who may know very little about what you would prefer.

What are health care forms called in Pennsylvania?

There are two basic kinds of health care documents that everyone should make. First, you'll need a document naming a trusted person to direct your health care if you are unable to do so yourself. In Pennsylvania, the official name for this form is a durable health care power of attorney.

Second, you should make a document setting out the types of medical treatment you would or would not like to receive in certain situations. In Pennsylvania, this form is called a living will.

These forms are often combined into a single form called an advance directive.

Who makes health care decisions for me in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the person you name to make decisions for you is called your agent. Most people name a spouse, partner, relative, or close friend as their agent. Under Pennsylvania law, your agent may not be:

• your attending physician or other health care provider, unless related to you by blood, marriage or adoption, or
• an owner, operator or employee of a health care provider from which you are receiving care, unless related to you by blood, marriage or adoption.

What else do I need to know about choosing an agent in Pennsylvania?

When choosing your agent, the most crucial criteria are trustworthiness and dependability. You might also want to choose someone you think will be good at asserting your health care wishes if others argue against them -- that is, someone who is persistent or calm under pressure.

While you need not name someone who lives in Pennsylvania, the person you name should at least be willing and able to travel to your bedside if necessary.

Your agent will begin to make health care decisions for you when you lack the capacity to do so. For more information, see Nolo's article Living Wills and Powers of Attorney for Health Care: How They Work.

Do I need a lawyer to make health care documents in Pennsylvania?

You usually don't need a lawyer to prepare documents directing your health care. In fact, state governments have designed these forms for people to complete on their own by filling in the blanks. You can find the health care forms you need for Pennsylvania in Nolo's Quicken WillMaker. The software includes detailed instructions for completing your documents and meets all Pennsylvania legal requirements.