Pennsylvania § 5463 - Effect on other State law.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5463 — Effect on other State law., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5463. Effect on other State law.
(a) Mental health.--This subchapter does not affect the requirements of other laws of this Commonwealth regarding consent to observation, diagnosis, treatment or hospitalization for a mental illness.
(b) Prohibited care.--This subchapter does not authorize a health care agent or health care representative to consent to any health care prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth.
(c) Consent.--This subchapter does not affect the laws of this Commonwealth regarding any of the following:
(1) The standard of care of a health care provider required in the administration of health care.
(2) When consent is required for health care.
(3) Informed consent for health care.
(4) Consent to health care in an emergency.
(d) Preservation of religious rights.--This subchapter does not prevent a health care agent or health care representative from consenting to health care administered in good faith pursuant to religious beliefs of the principal or from withholding consent to health care that is contrary to religious beliefs of the principal.
(e) Rights of individuals.--This subchapter does not affect the right of an individual to make health care decisions.
(f) Disclosure.--The disclosure requirements of section 5456(d) (relating to authority of health care agent) supersede any provision in any other State statute or regulation that requires the principal to consent to disclosure or which otherwise conflicts with section 5456(d), including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Section 8 of the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.221, No.63), known as the Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act.
(2) Section 111 of the act of July 9, 1976 (P.L.817, No.143), known as the Mental Health Procedures Act.
(3) Section 15 of the act of October 5, 1978 (P.L.1109, No.261), known as the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act.
(4) Section 41 of the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985.
(5) Section 7 of the act of November 29, 1990 (P.L.585, No.148), known as the Confidentiality of HIV-Related Information Act.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5463
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5463 cover?
Section 5463 ("Effect on other State law.") 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 § 5463?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5463" (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 § 5463 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.