Living Will, Duty to Comply
Upon its completion and proper execution, a living will may be given to the principal's attending physician, who is required to make it a part of the principal's permanent medical records.

Although no one can be forced to comply with a living will, Pennsylvania requires any health care provider who is unwilling to follow its terms to immediately inform the principal or, if applicable, the health care representative upon receipt of the living will.

Any health care provider who is unwilling to comply with the terms of a living will cannot be required to personally participate in withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment. It is also unlawful to discharge any employee who is unwilling to participate.

If a health care provider is unwilling to comply with a living will after it has become effective, he or she is required to make every reasonable effort to transfer the principal to a physician who will comply with its terms.

See: Living Will, When Effective; Living Will, Revoking; Treatment Preferences, Generally; Living Will, Liability For Compliance