PA Mental Health Care Declaration
By Sean Quinlan, Esq. · Updated January 15, 2025
Pennsylvania's Act 194 of 2004 (20 Pa.C.S. Chapter 58) authorizes a Mental Health Care Declaration — a stand-alone advance directive for psychiatric treatment.
What it covers
Preferences regarding inpatient admission (up to 14 days), psychotropic medications, and electroconvulsive therapy.
Who benefits
Anyone with bipolar disorder, severe depression, schizophrenia, or another condition where future capacity could be impaired.
Execution
Signed in front of two adult witnesses (not the agent, not staff at the treating facility). Effective only when an attending physician finds incapacity.
This article is general information about Pennsylvania law as of the update date above. It is not legal advice for your situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice on your specific facts, please schedule a consultation.
Talk with a Pennsylvania estate planning attorney.
Most plans take two meetings. The first is a consultation — clear, honest, and free of pressure.