Agent's Acknowledgment, Generally
An Agent's Acknowledgment* is the agent's signed agreement to:
1. Exercise the powers for the principal's benefit.
2. Keep the principal's assets separate from the agent's assets.
3. Exercise reasonable caution and prudence when acting.
4. Keep full and accurate records of all actions performed and of all income and expenses relating to the principal.

A properly executed Agent's Acknowledgment must be attached to every power of attorney made in Pennsylvania after April 12, 2000. A power of attorney that does not have an Agent's Acknowledgment is invalid and does not grant the agent any authority to act.  An exception is made for powers of attorney limited strictly to health care or commercial transactions, which do not require an Acknowledgment. However, attaching an Agent's Acknowledgment to one of these documents does not invalidate it.

See: Notice To Principal, Generally; Agent, Role and Duties; Agent, Eligibility

*The term "Acknowledgement" is typically spelled without an "e" when used in legal documents.