Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future, I will be re-introducing legislation that would establish a registry for Living Wills and other advanced healthcare directives in Pennsylvania. Those who choose to would submit an advanced healthcare directive to the registry. Physicians would then be able to check the registry before proceeding with any patient in their care and be provided with any directives that are in effect.

Adults should have a right to direct their own medical care and advanced healthcare directives allow people to do so. However, with people having multiple physicians and specialists, living wills or other directives can be overlooked, incorrectly filed or simply ignored in the confusion of a medical issue. This registry will prevent such confusion and will enhance the effectiveness of end of life care.

If you have questions about this legislation, please contact my Legislative Director, Jon Tew at jtew@pasenate.com or 610-768-4200.