Living Will in Pennsylvania
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Pennsylvania recognizes living wills and requires two adult witnesses or notarization; one witness cannot be a healthcare provider.
How Pennsylvania treats Living Will
Pennsylvania law allows you to create a living will that directs healthcare providers to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment if you become unable to make decisions. Your living will must be signed by you and either witnessed by two adults (neither of whom can be your doctor or healthcare facility employee) or notarized. Pennsylvania recognizes both statutory forms and other written documents that clearly express your end-of-life preferences.
The general definition of Living Will
A document stating your wishes about life-sustaining medical treatment if you become unable to communicate.
A living will (also called an advance directive) is a written statement of your medical preferences if you're ever in a coma, terminal illness, or unable to speak for yourself. You can specify whether you want life support, feeding tubes, or resuscitation. Doctors and family members use it to make decisions that honor your values when you cannot.
Read the full Living Will entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.