As an estate planning attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives for Pennsylvania residents over the past twelve years, I know how important it is to have a clear, legally compliant living will form in Pennsylvania that reflects your exact wishes. A Pennsylvania living will (also called an advance healthcare directive) lets you spell out the medical treatment you want—or don’t want—if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. In this article, I’m giving you a completely free, attorney-reviewed Pennsylvania living will template that meets the requirements of Title 20 Pa.C.S. Chapter 54 and includes the optional combination with durable power of attorney for healthcare that most of my clients prefer.
A living will in PA is a written legal document that tells doctors whether you want life-sustaining treatment (such as mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, or resuscitation) if you have an end-stage medical condition or are in a state of permanent unconsciousness. Pennsylvania law is very specific: without a properly executed living will or healthcare power of attorney, doctors will usually provide all possible treatment to keep you alive, even if that contradicts what you would have wanted.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and IRS-related estate statistics, fewer than 38% of Pennsylvanians over age 55 currently have an advance directive in place. Having a valid PA living will form removes the terrible burden from your family and ensures your values are respected.
Click here to download the free printable Pennsylvania living will form (PDF)
Click here for the editable Word version
This free printable living will form for PA combines both the living will declaration and the durable healthcare power of attorney on the same document—the format most Pennsylvania hospitals and physicians prefer.
Pennsylvania is stricter than many states. According to the official text on the Pennsylvania General Assembly website and the Pennsylvania Department of Health:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 18 or older (or high school graduate/emancipated) |
| Sound Mind | You must be of sound mind when signing |
| Signature | Your signature (or mark if unable to sign) |
| Witnesses | Two qualified witnesses (not your agent, not related by blood/marriage, not entitled to your estate) |
| Notarization | Recommended but NOT required for the living will portion (required if you want the healthcare POA to be immediately effective) |
Most of my Pennsylvania clients choose the combined form (officially called “Advance Health Care Directive”) because:
In my practice, I see the same errors repeatedly:
No. A living will applies only to end-stage conditions or permanent unconsciousness. A separate POLST or out-of-hospital DNR requires your physician’s signature.
No. Pennsylvania recognizes self-proved advance directives. However, many clients hire me to customize language for complex family dynamics.
Yes—anytime you are competent—by destroying all copies and creating a new one or writing “REVOKED” across it and signing/dating.
Usually yes under reciprocity, but I always recommend executing a new Pennsylvania-specific form after you move here.
I’ve sat with families in ICU waiting rooms when no advance directive existed, and I never want you or your loved ones to experience that heartbreak. Taking 15 minutes today to complete this free Pennsylvania living will template is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.
Download Links Again:
Free Pennsylvania Living Will Form – PDF
Free Pennsylvania Living Will Form – Word
Disclaimer: The template and information provided are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws change, and your personal situation may require customization. Always consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney or qualified professional before finalizing any estate planning document.
Sources: Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 20 Chapter 54, Pennsylvania Department of Health Advance Directive information, IRS Estate & Gift Tax Guidelines (for context on planning).