{"data":{"id":"us-pa/20-pa.c.s.-5803","jurisdiction":"us-pa","citation":"20 Pa.C.S. § 5803","heading":"Legislative findings and intent.","body":"(a) Intent.--This chapter provides a means for competent adults to control their mental health care either directly through instructions written in advance or indirectly through a mental health care agent.\n(b) Presumption not created.--This chapter shall not be construed to create any presumption regarding the intent of an individual who has not executed a declaration or mental health care power of attorney to consent to the use or withholding of treatment.\n(c) Findings in general.--The General Assembly finds that all capable adults have a qualified right to control decisions relating to their own mental health care.","path":["Title 20 - DECEDENTS, ESTATES AND FIDUCIARIES","CHAPTER 58 MENTAL HEALTH CARE","SUBCHAPTER A GENERAL PROVISIONS"],"source_url":"https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM\u0026ttl=20\u0026div=0\u0026chpt=58\u0026sctn=3\u0026subsctn=0","current_through":"2026-03-18 (Statute Update stamp, 20 Pa.C.S.)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-02T16:31:33Z","sha256":"2efe272a6e56b2c6f864a86c7e19ea267ba719fd57b84c4d47cbe186945edba3","source_id":"us-pa","stale":false,"prev":"us-pa/20-pa.c.s.-5802","next":"us-pa/20-pa.c.s.-5804"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}