Pennsylvania's Act 169 governs both documents. We typically combine them into a single 'Advance Healthcare Directive' so your family is not juggling paperwork in a crisis.
Living will vs. healthcare POA
A Pennsylvania living will only takes effect when you have an end-stage medical condition or are permanently unconscious, and it speaks only to life-sustaining treatment. A healthcare power of attorney is broader: it lets your agent make any healthcare decision, in any circumstance, that you cannot make yourself.
Most clients need both. The living will removes the burden of the hardest decision from your family; the healthcare POA covers everything else.
HIPAA authorization
We include a stand-alone HIPAA authorization so your agent — and any family member you choose — can talk to your doctors and access your records without resistance.