Posted: | January 3, 2019 04:02 PM |
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From: | Senator Daylin Leach |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Statewide Living Will Database |
Soon I will re-introduce legislation that would establish a statewide living will database in Pennsylvania. Those who choose to would submit an advanced healthcare directive to the database. Prior to rendering care, physicians would be able to check the database to see if their patients have written an advanced healthcare directive. This enables physicians to carry out the wishes of their patients even if their patients are unable to inform their physicians of the existence of a living will or other directive. Adults should have a right to direct their own medical care. However, with people having multiple physicians and specialists, living wills or other directives can be overlooked, incorrectly filed, or simply ignored amid the confusion of medical treatment. The statewide living will database will prevent such confusion and will enhance the effectiveness of end of life care. This bill was known as Senate Bill 218 during the 2017-2018 session. It was cosponsored by Senators Costa, Schwank, Rafferty, Browne, Sabatina, and Haywood. Please join me in supporting this important legislation. If you have questions about this legislation, please don’t hesitate to contact me. |
Introduced as SB187