(a) Mental health.--This subchapter does not affect the requirements of other laws of this Commonwealth regarding consent to observation, diagnosis, treatment or hospitalization for a mental illness.
(b) Prohibited care.--This subchapter does not authorize a health care agent or health care representative to consent to any health care prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth.
(c) Consent.--This subchapter does not affect the laws of this Commonwealth regarding any of the following:
(1) The standard of care of a health care provider required in the administration of health care.
(2) When consent is required for health care.
(3) Informed consent for health care.
(4) Consent to health care in an emergency.
(d) Preservation of religious rights.--This subchapter does not prevent a health care agent or health care representative from consenting to health care administered in good faith pursuant to religious beliefs of the principal or from withholding consent to health care that is contrary to religious beliefs of the principal.
(e) Rights of individuals.--This subchapter does not affect the right of an individual to make health care decisions.
(f) Disclosure.--The disclosure requirements of section 5456(d) (relating to authority of health care agent) supersede any provision in any other State statute or regulation that requires the principal to consent to disclosure or which otherwise conflicts with section 5456(d), including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Section 8 of the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.221, No.63), known as the Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act.
(2) Section 111 of the act of July 9, 1976 (P.L.817, No.143), known as the Mental Health Procedures Act.
(3) Section 15 of the act of October 5, 1978 (P.L.1109, No.261), known as the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act.
(4) Section 41 of the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985.
(5) Section 7 of the act of November 29, 1990 (P.L.585, No.148), known as the Confidentiality of HIV-Related Information Act.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Title 20 - DECEDENTS, ESTATES AND FIDUCIARIES
Section 5423 - Legislative findings and intent
Section 5425 - Conflicting advance health care directives
Section 5426 - Death not suicide or homicide
Section 5428 - Health care instruments optional
Section 5430 - Effect of divorce
Section 5432 - Criminal penalties
Section 5441 - Short title of subchapter
Section 5443 - When living will operative
Section 5445 - Emergency medical services
Section 5451 - Short title of subchapter
Section 5453 - Requirements and options
Section 5454 - When health care power of attorney operative
Section 5455 - Appointment of health care agents
Section 5456 - Authority of health care agent
Section 5460 - Relation of health care agent to court-appointed guardian and other agents
Section 5461 - Decisions by health care representative
Section 5462 - Duties of attending physician and health care provider
Section 5463 - Effect on other State law
Section 5481 - Short title of subchapter
Section 5482 - Legislative findings and intent
Section 5484 - Orders, bracelets and necklaces
Section 5486 - Absence of order, bracelet or necklace