In response to some questions we have been receiving lately, here is a statement from Colbert & Grebas on Health Care Power of Attorney and End-of-Life Decision Making:
Under Pennsylvania Law and a duly executed Health Care Power of Attorney from Colbert & Grebas, an Agent only has authority to make decisions regarding life sustaining treatments, including the use of a ventilator, when and if the patient’s physician has determined that the individual is in the end stages of a terminal condition or in a permanent. state of unconsciousness. If, in the physician’s opinion, the use of medical treatments, including a ventilator, can help the patient recover from their ailment, including COVID-19, then the end-of-life authority under the Health Care Power of Attorney is not triggered and the patient should receive the treatment.