Medical Directives / Powers of Attorney

An Advance Directive combines two documents into one:  a declaration about your medical intentions under certain circumstances (a Living Will Declaration) and an appointment of another person to make medical decisions on your behalf (a Health Care Power of Attorney).

Your intention about treatment or withholding of treatment from an imminent terminal condition or a persistent vegetative state must be clearly stated in the presence of witnesses. These Advance Directives can be broadly or narrowly drafted, depending on your specific wishes.  Many hospitals and health care facilities have state-approved forms.

Link to Maryland Form:  http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Health%20Policy%20Documents/adirective.pdf

Link to Delaware Form:  http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/advance1.html

Link to Virginia Form:  http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/OLC/documents/2008/pdfs/2005%20advanced%20directive%20form.pdf

Pennsylvania - Search "Pennsylvania Advance Medical Directives" and you will find several options.