
What would happen if you were the victim of a medical emergency, and you were unable to communicate your wishes? There are ways to ensure that your wishes are known and carried out using proper legal documents. You can specify the medical treatments you would want used and can protect your family from having to make a painful or challenging medical decision on your behalf.
An "advance directive” is a written document that you may use, under certain circumstances, to tell others what care you would like to receive or not receive should you become unable to express your wishes at some time in the future.
This document lets you express your wishes regarding medical treatment ahead of time, so that you can make sure to receive the treatment that you want and need in the event that you are not able to make those decisions or communicate those decisions at the time.
An advance directive may take many forms. In Pennsylvania, two types of advance directives are specifically authorized:
Any person may make an advance directive who is of sound mind, is 18 years or older, is a high school graduate, is married, or is emancipated. You must write out an advance directive and sign it. If you cannot sign it for some reason, it is possible to direct an authorized party to sign on your behalf. You must also have two witnesses over 18 years of age. The advance directive law in Pennsylvania is called Act 169 of 2006. It was recently revised to ensure that individuals have more clarity in the use of these documents, including the Pennsylvania Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST).
Butler Eagle: Butler Health System and Excela Health announced Monday, May 22, that their newly combined organization will be called Independence ...
Continue ReadingYou don’t need alcohol to make a great mixed drink! These mocktails are every bit as fun and delicious without the alcohol. Whether you're hosting a ...
Continue ReadingBUTLER, May 22, 2023 … Butler Health System and Excela Health today announced that their newly combined organization is Independence Health System . ...
Continue ReadingMore than 25 million adult Americans experience temporary or chronic urinary incontinence, or accidental loss of urine. Incontinence can occur due to ...
Continue ReadingA mental health crisis can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for anyone. It can occur when an individual's mental health condition worsens ...
Continue ReadingGrade reflects top national performance on patient safety through COVID-19 pandemic Butler, PA, May 3, 2023 – Butler Memorial Hospital received their ...
Continue ReadingBUTLER, PA May 3, 2023: Physicians at Butler Health System and Excela Health are once again among western Pennsylvania’s top doctors, as featured in ...
Continue ReadingThere is solid scientific evidence to support that stress management, quality sleep, exercise, active brains, and eating a brain-healthy diet can slow ...
Continue ReadingYour skin is your body’s largest organ, and it plays a vital role in protecting your body from external elements. However, the skin is also vulnerable ...
Continue ReadingWe often take our skin for granted; it just exists on our body as we go about our day. But when you stop to think about it, our skin is fascinating! ...
Continue Reading