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Heritage Tree LogoThe Importance of a Healthcare Directive in Pennsylvania

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While there are several different types of documents involved in the creation of an estate plan, it is important to note that an advance healthcare directive is one of the most important. Contact our firm today to learn more and speak with one of our skilled Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys to discuss the specifics of your case.

What is an advance healthcare directive in Pennsylvania?

An advance healthcare directive is a document that is created for end-of-life planning. The purpose of building an advance healthcare directive is to provide a trusted individual with the power to make choices regarding medical treatment in the event that the individual faces an injury or illness that prevents him or her from making decisions on their own. Advance healthcare directives typically include living wills and healthcare powers of attorney. These documents can be produced individually, however, in the state of Pennsylvania, they are normally consolidated into a single document.

Do not wait to reach out to our skilled Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys today if you have questions or concerns about this document. Our legal team is prepared to discuss the specifics of your case and your options with you.

What is the purpose of creating a durable healthcare power of attorney?

When you create a durable healthcare power of attorney, you will be able to select a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, in the event that you are unable to do so on your own. After a treating doctor determines that an individual can no longer perform these decisions on his or her own, the chosen individual is held accountable for making the decisions from that point onward.

If you would like to learn more about this process, it is in your best interest to reach out to our firm to speak with a skilled estate planning attorney at Heritage Elder Law & Estate Planning.

What is the order for life-sustaining treatment?

In Pennsylvania, people can establish a Pennsylvania Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) to prepare for a life-threatening or unforeseen medical crisis. For a POLST to be valid and legally enforceable, it must be signed by a health care provider, the person who creates the document, and that person’s appointed health care agent. It is necessary to know that this does not replace a living will or a health care power of attorney.

Contact our firm today to discuss the specifics of your case and your options with an experienced Pennsylvania estate planning attorney.

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