Advance Directives
Advance healthcare directives are spoken or written plans and information that you make about your choices for medical care. Planning and writing your advance directive lets you control your healthcare at a time when you may not be able to make your wishes known, and informs healthcare providers and loved ones of the treatment decisions you have made.
In the state of Pennsylvania, there are two types of advance healthcare directives:
- Living Wills
- Healthcare Powers of Attorney
Ask about and discuss the ethics of your care with your healthcare provider, including resolving any conflicts that might arise such as, deciding against, withholding, or withdrawing life-sustaining care.
It's best to provide a copy of your advance directive, living will, durable power of attorney for healthcare, and any organ or tissue donation permissions to the health care professionals taking care of you.
Resources
Get started planning your healthcare wishes with these helpful resources: