Pennsylvania § 5424 - Compliance.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5424 — Compliance., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5424. Compliance.
(a) Notification by attending physician or health care provider.--If an attending physician or other health care provider cannot in good conscience comply with a living will or health care decision of a health care agent or health care representative or if the policies of a health care provider preclude compliance with a living will or health care decision of a health care agent or health care representative, the attending physician or health care provider shall so inform the principal if the principal is competent or the principal's health care agent or health care representative if the principal is incompetent.
(b) Transfer.--The attending physician or health care provider under subsection (a) shall make every reasonable effort to assist in the transfer of the principal to another physician or health care provider who will comply with the living will or health care decision of the health care agent or health care representative.
(c) Employee or staff member of health care provider.--
(1) An employee or a staff member of a health care provider may not be required to participate in the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.
(2) A health care provider that is an employer may not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against its employee or staff member as a result of informing the employer of the employee's choice not to participate in the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.
(3) A health care provider that is an employer may require its employee or staff member to express in writing the wishes or unwillingness of the employee or staff member as set forth in this subsection.
(d) Liability.--If transfer under subsection (b) is impossible, the provision of life-sustaining treatment to a principal may not subject an attending physician or a health care provider to criminal or civil liability or administrative sanction for failure to carry out either the provisions of a living will or a health care decision of a health care agent or health care representative.
Cross References. Section 5424 is referred to in sections 5431, 5443 of this title.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5424
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5424 cover?
Section 5424 ("Compliance.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 5424?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5424" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 5424 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.