Official Pennsylvania Advance Directive Form | Step-by-Step Guide

Medical care instructions if you become incapacitated

Sales Tax: 6%Notary: $5Witnesses: 1

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ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTHCARE
State of Pennsylvania

PART I — APPOINTMENT OF HEALTHCARE AGENT

I, [YOUR NAME], of [ADDRESS], Pennsylvania PA, appoint the following person as my Healthcare Agent:

Agent Name: [AGENT NAME]
Address: [AGENT ADDRESS]
Phone: [PHONE]

Alternate Agent: [ALTERNATE NAME]
Address: [ALTERNATE ADDRESS]
Phone: [PHONE]

My Healthcare Agent is authorized to make all healthcare decisions for me when I am unable to do so, including decisions about life-sustaining treatment.

PART II — INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEALTHCARE

If I am terminally ill or permanently unconscious:
[  ] I DO want life-sustaining treatment
[  ] I DO NOT want life-sustaining treatment
[  ] I want treatment only if my doctor believes it will improve my condition

Artificial Nutrition and Hydration:
[  ] I DO want artificial nutrition and hydration
[  ] I DO NOT want artificial nutrition and hydration

Pain Management:
I want all measures taken to keep me comfortable and free from pain, even if such measures hasten my death.

Organ Donation:
[  ] I wish to donate my organs and tissues
[  ] I do not wish to donate my organs

PART III — GENERAL PROVISIONS
This directive is made in accordance with Pennsylvania law (PA Statutes). It shall remain in effect until revoked.

DECLARANT SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____

WITNESS 1: _____________________ DATE: _____
WITNESS 2: _____________________ DATE: _____

NOTARY (if required in Pennsylvania):
Subscribed and sworn before me this ___ day of _______, 20__.
Notary Public: _____________________

Where to File Your Advance Directive in Pennsylvania

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Advance Directive.

Philadelphia County Clerk

Philadelphia

City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Allegheny County Clerk

Pittsburgh

436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Dauphin County Clerk

Harrisburg

101 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Advance Directive Costs in Pennsylvania

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Pennsylvania standard rate: $5
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Pennsylvania
Sales Tax6%Pennsylvania base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement1 witnessSingle witness sufficient
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Pennsylvania-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

FAQ: Advance Directive in Pennsylvania

Is a Advance Directive required in Pennsylvania?

Yes, in Pennsylvania, a Advance Directive is required for most transactions of this type. Under Pennsylvania State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by at least one individual. Failure to use a proper Advance Directive may result in legal complications.

Does a Advance Directive need to be notarized in Pennsylvania?

Notarization requirements in Pennsylvania (PA) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $5. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Advance Directive in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Advance Directive, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Pennsylvania tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

Is an advance directive the same as a living will?

An advance directive is a broader document that typically includes both a living will (treatment preferences) and a healthcare power of attorney (appointing a decision-maker). Some states combine these into one form.

When does an advance directive take effect?

An advance directive takes effect only when you are unable to communicate your own healthcare decisions, typically due to unconsciousness, severe illness, or cognitive impairment. Your doctor must determine you lack decision-making capacity.

Do hospitals have to follow my advance directive?

Yes, healthcare providers are legally required to follow valid advance directives in all states. However, a provider may refuse on moral grounds but must transfer your care to another provider who will honor your wishes.

JRJ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Jennifer Rodriguez, J.D.

Estate Planning Attorney

Licensed in 5 states, 12+ years experience

Focuses on wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents

This Advance Directive template for Pennsylvania has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Pennsylvania Advance Directive Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Advance Directive is legally valid in Pennsylvania.

1 witness must sign
Notarization may be required
Healthcare agent designated
Alternate agent named
Life-sustaining treatment preferences stated
Organ donation wishes specified
Pain management instructions included
Declarant must be of sound mind
Effective immediately or upon incapacity
Revocation clause included

Pennsylvania Notarization

While notarization may not be required in Pennsylvania, it is recommended. Fees range from $5.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Pennsylvania, a 6% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Pennsylvania law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Pennsylvania Filing Deadlines

Check Pennsylvania deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

Pennsylvania Advance Directive Legal Guide

According to Pennsylvania laws, this agreement holds legal weight once properly signed and notarized, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

In Pennsylvania, according to Pennsylvania State Code, a 6% sales tax applies to applicable transactions. Notary fees in PA typically range from $5. A single witness signature is sufficient under state law.

Using this template ensures you're protected under Pennsylvania law while saving time and money on legal fees.

healthcare agentmedical proxylife-sustaining treatmentincapacityhealthcare decisionsorgan donationend-of-life care
Pennsylvania residents searching for a reliable Advance Directive template have come to the right place. Our form is tailored to PA statutory requirements and updated for 2026, giving you a legally sound starting point.

Completing Your Advance Directive

The process in Pennsylvania is straightforward but detail-oriented. Begin with the header information, proceed through each section methodically, and ensure all PA-required fields are completed. Pennsylvania courts take document completeness seriously — missing information can delay or invalidate your filing.

How Pennsylvania Courts View This Document

Pennsylvania courts apply PA statutory standards when evaluating a Advance Directive. Judges look for: clear language, proper identification of parties, lawful purpose, and correct execution formalities. Meeting these standards ensures your document will be upheld if ever challenged.

What Pennsylvania Attorneys Want You to Know

Practicing lawyers in Pennsylvania emphasize three things: accuracy, completeness, and compliance with PA statutes. A well-prepared Advance Directive saves time, money, and potential legal headaches down the road. When in doubt, a brief consultation with a Pennsylvania-licensed attorney is worth the investment.

Meeting Pennsylvania's Legal Threshold

For your Advance Directive to hold up in a Pennsylvania court, it must satisfy the state's statutory requirements. PA law emphasizes clear language, mutual consent, and proper execution. We've built these requirements directly into our template.

Document Information

Document
Advance Directive
State
Pennsylvania (PA)
Category
Estate Planning
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
6%
Notary Fee
$5

Pennsylvania Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Law

  • Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Pennsylvania may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.