Advance Health Care Directives

Last updated on September 2, 2025

Planning for future medical decisions is something many people delay, but it can make a significant difference during critical moments. An advance health care directive allows individuals to express their wishes regarding treatment and medical care. Having clear instructions helps ensure that loved ones and doctors can respect those wishes if a person cannot speak for themselves. Working with an experienced attorney is essential, since the health care directive process involves legal documents that must meet Pennsylvania law.

At Schaffranek & Foster, we help individuals and families in Wexford, Pennsylvania, prepare for these important decisions. As a trusted lawyer in the community, John M. Schaffranek takes the time to explain every option so that clients understand the differences between documents, such as an advance directive versus a living will. We aim to make sure that people of all ages, including those planning end-of-life care or considering a young adult advance directive, feel confident about their choices.

How To Create An Advance Health Care Directive In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s health care directive process begins with deciding who will make medical decisions if you cannot. This person is often called a health care proxy, a young adult or a surrogate decision-maker for older individuals. With the guidance of an attorney, the steps usually include:

• Completing advance directive forms: These documents outline treatment preferences and detail specific instructions for care.
• Naming a health care proxy: This person has the authority to make health care decisions when you cannot do so.
• Discussing Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment: Known as POLST, physicians follow medical orders to honor your wishes.

Each step helps ensure that the individual’s voice is respected, and with the right lawyer in Wexford, Pennsylvania, the process is straightforward and legally sound.

What Is The Difference Between An Advance Health Care Directive And A Living Will?

An advance directive includes the appointment of a proxy and detailed treatment preferences, while a living will only addresses specific choices about end-of-life care planning. We can help ensure you have both documents set up properly.

Even young adults benefit from planning. A young adult advance directive helps ensure that in emergencies, a health care proxy can make timely health care decisions.

Plan Ahead Now

If you live in Wexford, Pennsylvania, reach out to Schaffranek & Foster for guidance through the process and have your health care decisions respected. Call us at 412-643-3848 today to get started. You can also contact us online.