Pennsylvania § 5432 - Criminal penalties.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5432 — Criminal penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5432. Criminal penalties.
(a) Criminal homicide.--A person shall be subject to prosecution for criminal homicide as provided in 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 25 (relating to criminal homicide) if the person intends to cause the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment contrary to the wishes of the principal or patient and, because of that action, directly causes life-sustaining treatment to be withheld or withdrawn and death to be hastened and:
(1) falsifies or forges the advance health care directive, order, bracelet or necklace of that principal or patient; or
(2) willfully conceals or withholds personal knowledge of a revocation of an advance health care directive or DNR status.
(b) Interference with health care directive.--A person commits a felony of the third degree if that person willfully:
(1) conceals, cancels, alters, defaces, obliterates or damages an advance health care directive, order, bracelet or necklace without the consent of the principal or patient;
(2) causes a person to execute an advance health care directive or order or wear a bracelet or necklace by undue influence, fraud or duress; or
(3) falsifies or forges an advance health care directive, order, bracelet or necklace or any amendment or revocation thereof, the result of which is a direct change in the health care provided to the principal or patient.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5432
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5432 cover?
Section 5432 ("Criminal penalties.") 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 § 5432?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5432" (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 § 5432 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.