New Living Will Statute
(Published in the Spring/Summer of 2007 Newsletter)
Pennsylvania recently made substantial changes to laws regarding Living Wills. A recent study showed that less than 30% of all people have any kind of a Living Will.
A Living Will is a document in which the person creating the Living Will is instructing the surviving family members or friends, as well as healthcare providers, as to their preferences on life saving procedures, such as feeding tubes and resuscitation efforts, if they are unconscious and/or have little chance of recovery.
On one extreme, without a Living Will some medical providers, such as an Emergency Treatment Center, will administer last ditch, life saving measures, even if there is no chance of recovery, for fear of being sued; on the other extreme, are Terri Schiavo - like situations, where someone with a good chance of recovery might be denied lifesaving measures because care givers assume the patient has given “do not resuscitate” instructions.
The new law makes drafting a Living Will far more complicated than just filling out a form at a hospital. Those concerned with end of life health care treatment should see an attorney. If you have a Living Will, you should review it with an attorney for possible updating.
Don’t rely on a $25 will kit at a superstore to address these crucial matters. At Menges, McLaughlin, & Kalasnik, P.C., we will be glad to discuss a Living Will for you in light of the new statute and will be glad to draft or amend your Living Will at a modest cost.
Menges, McLaughlin, & Kalasnik P.C.
www.YourLawFirmForLife.com
NOTE: The contents of this Newsletter are not intended to be, nor should they be taken as, specific legal advice as each situation is different. Please contact a lawyer with any questions you may have.
The Estate, Will and Trust attorneys at Menges, McLaughlin & Kalasnik, P.C. can help. Contact us now by calling, toll free, 1-866-464-5297.