What are the laws regarding end-of-life decisions?

In Pennsylvania, the laws regarding end-of-life decisions are outlined in the state’s Advance Directive Act, also known as the “Living Will.” This law allows individuals to make their wishes known regarding their end-of-life decisions in the event that they are unable to do so themselves. Through the law, individuals can clearly state the kind of care and treatment they want or do not want for themselves if they become incapacitated. The Living Will, which is signed and witnessed, allows an individual to name a Health Care Agent (also known as a healthcare proxy) to represent their wishes and make end-of-life decisions on their behalf. The individual’s health care decisions will be honored as long as they are consistent with the instructions given in the Living Will and the wishes of the individual. The law also states that if an individual is being admitted to a hospital or other health care facility, they have the right to refuse treatments with the understanding that their refusal of treatments may result in their death. However, this does not apply for certain treatments, medications, and procedures that are deemed necessary and required by law. The law also allows individuals to donate their organs and body parts upon their death, and they are encouraged to name an organ donor representative in their Living Will. In Pennsylvania, the Living Will gives individuals a great deal of control over their end-of-life decisions, so they can plan and express their wishes in advance.

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What are the laws regarding end-of-life decisions?

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