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PA legislature tackles end-of-life care

LTC Liability Monitor, January 29, 2007

When a resident has no living will or hasn't named a healthcare agent, who gets to make the end-of-life care decisions? To help hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare providers sort out these issues-especially in cases where family members disagree on what to do-the Pennsylvania state legislature established a pecking order in hopes of avoiding litigation in such situations. First in line is a spouse; second, adult child; third, adult sibling; fourth, adult grandchild. In cases where none of these exist, an adult familiar with a patient's preferences may help make decisions regarding care, according to the Pennsylvania Medical Society's Family Health & Wellness Web site.

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