How to Use a Living Will to Express Your Medical Wishes in Pennsylvania

Creating a living will is an essential step for individuals in Pennsylvania who wish to ensure that their medical preferences are honored in case they become unable to communicate their wishes. A living will outlines the type of medical treatment you want or do not want in certain situations, providing guidance to healthcare providers and your family. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use a living will effectively in Pennsylvania.

Understanding the Purpose of a Living Will

A living will serves as a legal document that specifies your wishes regarding medical treatments, especially at the end of life. It can include decisions about life-sustaining treatments like resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, or hydration and nutrition. By having a living will, you help alleviate the burden on your loved ones, who might otherwise face difficult decisions without knowing your preferences.

Creating Your Living Will in Pennsylvania

1. **Consider Your Medical Wishes:** Before drafting your living will, reflect deeply on the medical care you would want in various situations. It can be helpful to discuss your thoughts with loved ones or a healthcare provider.

2. **Use the Wrong Templates:** Pennsylvania provides a statutory template for living wills, which is easily accessible. You can find it online through legal or healthcare websites. Ensure that the template you use complies with Pennsylvania laws.

3. **Draft Your Living Will:** Fill out the template with your specific wishes. Be clear and concise about the medical treatments you want or do not want. Include information about the circumstances under which these wishes should be followed.

4. **Sign and Date the Document:** In Pennsylvania, you must sign your living will in the presence of two witnesses or a notary public. Ensure that your witnesses are not your relatives, healthcare providers, or individuals with a financial interest in your estate to meet legal requirements.

Where to Store Your Living Will

After creating your living will, it is crucial to store it safely. Consider the following suggestions:

- **Keep It Accessible:** Store the document in a place that trusted family members can easily access, such as a fire-safe box or filing cabinet.

- **Share Copies:** Provide copies of your living will to your healthcare providers, family members, and any significant people involved in your healthcare decisions. This ensures everyone is aware of your wishes.

- **Review and Update Periodically:** Life circumstances change, and it’s essential to review your living will regularly. If your preferences regarding medical care change, update the document appropriately and inform everyone involved.

Discussing Your Living Will With Family

Once you have your living will in place, discussing it with your family is vital. Open communication can help ease potential tensions and ensure that everyone understands your wishes. This conversation should be approached sensitively and can provide an opportunity to address any questions or concerns your loved ones may have.

What to Do If the Situation Arises

If you are in a medical situation where your living will needs to be implemented, your healthcare providers are required to honor your wishes as expressed in the document. Make sure your loved ones are aware of the existence of your living will and can advocate for your preferences if necessary.

Conclusion

Utilizing a living will in Pennsylvania is an important step in ensuring that your medical wishes are respected. By taking the time to create, share, and review this document, you empower yourself and provide peace of mind to your loved ones during difficult times. Always consult with an attorney or healthcare professional if you have questions regarding the specifics of your living will or state laws.