Pennsylvania § 5453 - Requirements and options.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5453 — Requirements and options., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5453. Requirements and options.
(a) General rule.--A health care power of attorney shall:
(1) Identify the principal and appoint the health care agent.
(2) Declare that the principal authorizes the health care agent to make health care decisions on behalf of the principal.
(b) Optional provisions.--A health care power of attorney may, but need not:
(1) Describe any limitations that the principal imposes upon the authority of the health care agent.
(2) Indicate the intent of the principal regarding the initiation, continuation, withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.
(3) Indicate whether the principal wants tube feeding or any other artificial or invasive form of nutrition or hydration.
(4) Disqualify an individual from acting as a health care representative, prohibit the appointment of a health care representative or provide for an order of priority of appointment of a health care representative pursuant to section 5461(d) (relating to decisions by health care representative).
(5) Nominate a guardian of the person of the principal as provided in section 5460 (relating to relation of health care agent to court-appointed guardian and other agents).
(6) Contain other provisions as the principal may specify regarding the implementation of health care decisions and related actions by the health care agent or health care representative.
(7) Request that the health care agent or health care representative exercise his sole and absolute discretion to consult the principal's relative, cleric or physician should the health care agent or health care representative be uncertain of the principal's wishes or best interests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5453
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5453 cover?
Section 5453 ("Requirements and options.") 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 § 5453?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5453" (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 § 5453 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.