What Do I Need to Sign My Healthcare Proxy in Pennsylvania?
Witness, notary, and remote online notarization (RON) requirements for healthcare proxies in Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pennsylvania requires 2 witnesses for a healthcare proxy.20 Pa.C.S. § 5452Verified Jul 15, 2026 Witnesses cannot be: The person who signed for you. Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
Notarization is not required for a healthcare proxy to be valid in Pennsylvania.20 Pa.C.S. § 5452Verified Jul 15, 2026
Pennsylvania allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) for healthcare proxies.20 Pa.C.S. § 5452Verified Jul 15, 2026 The notarization can be completed via secure video call with an approved RON provider. The state also accepts out-of-state RON.
To execute a healthcare proxy in Pennsylvania: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Give copies to your healthcare agent and doctors. Wet signature required; the notarization step may still be remote
Yes. Pennsylvania has an explicit reciprocity statute20 Pa.C.S. § 5464Verified Jul 15, 2026: a healthcare directive executed in another state is honored in Pennsylvania if it was valid where signed. Per § 5464: healthcare POA executed in another state and conforming to the laws of the state where it was executed is valid in PA, except where it would allow decisions inconsistent with PA law. Statutory recognition, not just comity; recognition is keyed to place-of-execution law, not the principal's domicile. The document portability tool covers reciprocity rules in detail.
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