{"id":413981,"date":"2026-09-29T10:06:51","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T15:06:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=413981"},"modified":"2026-09-29T10:57:41","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T15:57:41","slug":"how-to-create-a-medical-power-of-attorney-in-pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/how-to-create-a-medical-power-of-attorney-in-pennsylvania.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Create a Medical Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Create a Medical Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A medical power of attorney<\/span> grants a designated agent<\/span> the authority to make healthcare and end-of-life decisions for a principal if they become incapacitated<\/span>. To have a valid medical power of attorney<\/span> in Pennsylvania, you must have a sound mind<\/span> and have two adult witnesses on your document.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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It\u2019s often difficult to plan for the possibility of serious injury. However, you may need someone to make healthcare decisions<\/span> if you\u2019re injured or incapacitated<\/span> and can\u2019t do so yourself. A medical power of attorney<\/span> appoints a\u00a0healthcare <\/span>agent<\/span>\u00a0whose only power is to speak for you if you can’t make your own medical decisions.<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania law<\/span> allows you to choose anyone over the age of 18 as a healthcare proxy<\/span>. You may create your own legal document<\/span>, as long as you follow a few simple steps and ensure your agent<\/span> will follow your wishes.<\/p>\n

What Is a Medical Power of Attorney<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

A medical power of attorney<\/span>, or healthcare power of attorney<\/span>, is a document that lets another individual act on your behalf to\u00a0make medical decisions for you<\/a>. The medical power of attorney<\/span> lets your agent<\/span>:<\/p>\n