Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Passed Senate Bipartisan · 3 R · 1 D cosponsors

SB 730 — An Act amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminal penalties, for emergency medical services, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment.

Last action — Referred to Health

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced May 12, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the House.

Odds of enactment

Moderate chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a moderate chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 70% · high confidence
  • Passed Senate

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 4 sponsors

    1 primary, 3 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (3 R · 1 D) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 5 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill amends rules regarding life-sustaining treatment orders in Pennsylvania.

This legislation updates the regulations for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment, including definitions and emergency medical services. It also modifies procedures related to the issuance and revocation of these orders.

What this means for you
  • Families: Families may find clearer procedures for establishing and managing life-sustaining treatment preferences for their loved ones.
  • Consumers: Consumers will have more defined options and protections regarding their choices about life-sustaining treatments.
  • Healthcare: Healthcare providers will have updated guidelines on how to handle life-sustaining treatment orders.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

1156 added · 1096 removed

Plain-language change summary

The bill SB 730 has been updated to refine definitions related to health care providers and medical command physicians, ensuring they are aligned with existing Pennsylvania laws concerning emergency medical services. The language has been clarified to better define who qualifies as a health care provider and the responsibilities of a medical command physician. This matters because clear definitions help ensure that individuals and entities understand their roles and protections under the law, which is vital for effective health care delivery and emergency response.

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PRINTER'S NO.
PRIOR PRINTER'S NO.
782 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.
782 PRINTER'S NO.
1799 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.
WARD, MAY 12, 2025 REFERRED TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, MAY 12, 2025 AN ACT Amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) of the providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminalr penalties, for emergency medical services, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment.
WARD, MAY 12, 2025 SENATOR BROOKS, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AS AMENDED, JUNE 9, 2026 AN ACT AmePennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminal penalties, for emergency medical services, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment.
["Patient." An out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate patient as 20250SB0730PN0782 - 2 - defined under section 5483 (relating to definitions).] "Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment" or "POLST." Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment as defined under section 5493 (relating to definitions).
20250SB0730PN1799 - 2 - ["Patient." An out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate patient as defined under section 5483 (relating to definitions).] "Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment" or "POLST." Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment as defined under section 5493 (relating to definitions).
(2) causes a person to execute an advance health care directive or order or wear a bracelet or necklace by undue influence, fraud or duress;
(2) causes a person to execute an advance health care directive or order or wear a bracelet or necklace by undue 20250SB0730PN1799 - 3 - influence, fraud or duress;
or 20250SB0730PN0782 - 3 - (3) falsifies or forges an advance health care directive, OOH-DNR order, bracelet [or], necklace or POLST or any amendment or revocation thereof, the result of which is a direct change in the health care provided to the principal or patient.
or (3) falsifies or forges an advance health care directive, OOH-DNR order, bracelet [or], necklace or POLST or any amendment or revocation thereof, the result of which is a direct change in the health care provided to the principal or patient.
The term includes personnel recognized under [the act of July 3, 1985 (P.L.164, No.45), known as the Emergency Medical Services Act,] 35 Pa.C.S.
The term includes personnel recognized under [the act of July 3, 1985 (P.L.164, 20250SB0730PN1799 - 4 - No.45), known as the Emergency Medical Services Act,] 35 Pa.C.S.
20250SB0730PN0782 - 4 - Ch.
Ch.
(2) Pursuant to section 5484(a) (relating to OOH-DNR orders, bracelets and necklaces), possesses and in any manner displays or causes to be displayed for emergency medical 20250SB0730PN0782 - 5 - services providers an apparently valid OOH-DNR order, bracelet or necklace.
(2) Pursuant to section 5484(a) (relating to OOH-DNR orders, bracelets and necklaces), possesses and in any manner 20250SB0730PN1799 - 5 - displays or causes to be displayed for emergency medical services providers an apparently valid OOH-DNR order, bracelet or necklace.
The above-named patient or the patient's surrogate has requested this order, and I have made the determination that the patient is eligible for an order and satisfies one of the following:
The above-named patient or the patient's surrogate has requested this order, and I have made the determination that the patient is eligible for 20250SB0730PN1799 - 6 - an order and satisfies one of the following:
20250SB0730PN0782 - 6 - ..........
..........
I understand that I may revoke these directions at any time by giving verbal instructions to the emergency medical services providers, by physical cancellation or destruction of this form or my bracelet or necklace or by simply not displaying this form or the bracelet or necklace for my EMS [caregivers] providers.
I understand that I may revoke these directions at any time by giving verbal instructions to the emergency medical services providers, by physical cancellation or destruction of this form or my bracelet or necklace or by simply not displaying this form or the bracelet or necklace 20250SB0730PN1799 - 7 - for my EMS [caregivers] providers.
20250SB0730PN0782 - 7 - Signature of patient (if capable of making informed decisions):
Signature of patient (if capable of making informed decisions):
(a) Medical command instructions.--Notwithstanding the 20250SB0730PN0782 - 8 - absence of an OOH-DNR order, bracelet or necklace pursuant to this section, emergency medical services providers shall at all times comply with the instructions of an authorized medical command physician to withhold or discontinue resuscitation.
20250SB0730PN1799 - 8 - (a) Medical command instructions.--Notwithstanding the absence of an OOH-DNR order, bracelet or necklace pursuant to this section, emergency medical services providers shall at all times comply with the instructions of an authorized medical command physician to withhold or discontinue resuscitation.
(c) Uncertainty regarding validity or applicability of OOH- DNR order, bracelet or necklace.-- (1) Emergency medical services providers who in good faith are uncertain about the validity or applicability of an 20250SB0730PN0782 - 9 - OOH-DNR order, bracelet or necklace shall render care in accordance with their level of certification.
(c) Uncertainty regarding validity or applicability of OOH- DNR order, bracelet or necklace.-- (1) Emergency medical services providers who in good 20250SB0730PN1799 - 9 - faith are uncertain about the validity or applicability of an OOH-DNR order, bracelet or necklace shall render care in accordance with their level of certification.
(b) Membership.--The committee shall include representatives from the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania, the Joint State Government 20250SB0730PN0782 - 10 - Commission's Advisory Committee on Decedents' Estates Laws, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Department of Aging, the Department of Public Welfare and other interested persons at the department's discretion.
(b) Membership.--The committee shall include representatives from the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Hospital and Health 20250SB0730PN1799 - 10 - System Association of Pennsylvania, the Joint State Government Commission's Advisory Committee on Decedents' Estates Laws, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Department of Aging, the Department of Public Welfare and other interested persons at the department's discretion.
An OOH-DNR order may not be executed on or after the date the department adopts an initial POLST form under section 5498 (relating to POLST form).
An OOH-DNR order may not be executed on or after the date the <-- department adopts an initial POLST form under section 5498 (relating to POLST form).
(A) WHEN OOH-DNR ORDER MAY NOT BE EXECUTED.--EXCEPT AS <-- PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (C), AN OOH-DNR ORDER MAY NOT BE EXECUTED ON OR AFTER THE DATE THE DEPARTMENT ADOPTS AN INITIAL POLST FORM UNDER SECTION 5498 (RELATING TO POLST FORM).
(B) APPLICABILITY AND VALIDITY.--THIS SUBCHAPTER SHALL CONTINUE TO APPLY TO ANY OOH-DNR ORDER EXECUTED PRIOR TO THE DATE THE DEPARTMENT ADOPTS AN INITIAL POLST FORM.
PREVIOUSLY EXECUTED OOH-DNR ORDERS, BRACELETS AND NECKLACES MAY CONTINUE TO 20250SB0730PN1799 - 11 - BE RECOGNIZED AS VALID.
(C) PRESUMPTION OF VALIDITY.--NOTWITHSTANDING SUBSECTION (A), AN OOH-DNR ORDER EXECUTED WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER THE DATE THE DEPARTMENT ADOPTS AN INITIAL POLST FORM SHALL BE PRESUMED VALID IF EXECUTED IN GOOD FAITH AND IN SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO OOH-DNR ORDERS PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL POLST FORM.
THE PRESUMPTION MAY BE REBUTTED BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE THAT THE ORDER DOES NOT REFLECT THE WISHES OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR WAS NOT PROPERLY EXECUTED.
Prohibitions on use.
Prohibitions on use ELIGIBILITY.
20250SB0730PN0782 - 11 - 5495.
<-- 5495.
5498.8.
20250SB0730PN1799 - 12 - 5498.8.
(1) All individuals have a qualified right to control their health care and should not lose that right if they become incompetent or have never been a competent adult.
(1) All individuals have a qualified right to control <-- THE RIGHT TO MAKE DECISIONS REGARDING their health care and <-- should not lose that right if they become incompetent or have never been a competent adult.
20250SB0730PN0782 - 12 - (2) The Commonwealth has recognized this right by providing for advance health care directives in which individuals may provide direction and state their goals and preferences about future health care and by providing for surrogate decision makers for incompetent adults and unemancipated minors.
(2) The Commonwealth has recognized this right by providing for advance health care directives in which individuals may provide direction and state their goals and preferences about future health care and by providing for surrogate decision makers for incompetent adults and unemancipated minors.
(3) A Pennsylvania order for life-sustaining treatment, or POLST, differs from an advance health care directive as it converts an individual's wishes regarding health care into a medical order that is immediately actionable and applicable across all health care settings.
(3) A Pennsylvania order for life-sustaining treatment, or POLST, differs from an advance health care directive as it converts an individual's wishes regarding health care into a medical order that is immediately actionable and applicable 20250SB0730PN1799 - 13 - across all health care settings.
(7) Existing emergency medical services protocols may require emergency medical services personnel to proceed to cardiopulmonary resuscitation when an individual is found in 20250SB0730PN0782 - 13 - cardiac and respiratory arrest, even if the individual has completed an advance directive or has otherwise clearly indicated that the individual does not wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
(7) Existing emergency medical services protocols may require emergency medical services personnel to proceed to cardiopulmonary resuscitation when an individual is found in cardiac and respiratory arrest, even if the individual has completed an advance directive or has otherwise clearly indicated that the individual does not wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
(9) A key step in the POLST process is the health care practitioner's review with the patient or the patient's surrogate decision maker of the patient's current health status, diagnoses and prognosis to determine whether a POLST order would be appropriate or should be updated.
20250SB0730PN1799 - 14 - (9) A key step in the POLST process is the health care practitioner's review with the patient or the patient's surrogate decision maker of the patient's current health status, diagnoses and prognosis to determine whether a POLST order would be appropriate or should be updated.
20250SB0730PN0782 - 14 - (14) The well-being of the patient is paramount in considering a POLST, not cost savings to the government or insurers.
(14) The well-being of the patient is paramount in considering a POLST, not cost savings to the government or insurers.
(16) Conversations about a POLST must avoid any bias against continuation of care and must not characterize the continuation of life as burdensome.
(16) Conversations about a POLST must avoid any bias 20250SB0730PN1799 - 15 - against continuation of care and must not characterize the continuation of life as burdensome.
(20) This subchapter is intended to provide a framework and legal authority for a POLST to be valid and portable across all care settings, consistent with the foregoing 20250SB0730PN0782 - 15 - findings.
(20) This subchapter is intended to provide a framework and legal authority for a POLST to be valid and portable across all care settings, consistent with the foregoing findings.
(1) A facility that is licensed as a health care facility by the department under Chapter 8 of the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the Health Care Facilities Act, including a hospital, long-term care facility, home health care agency or hospice.
(1) A facility that is licensed as a health care 20250SB0730PN1799 - 16 - facility by the department under Chapter 8 of the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the Health Care Facilities Act, including a hospital, long-term care facility, home health care agency or hospice.
(1) An insurance company, association, exchange or fraternal benefit society subject to the act of May 17, 1921 20250SB0730PN0782 - 16 - (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921.
(1) An insurance company, association, exchange or fraternal benefit society subject to the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921.
(5) A self-insured employee welfare benefit plan.
20250SB0730PN1799 - 17 - (5) A self-insured employee welfare benefit plan.
"LIFE-LIMITING AND IRREVERSIBLE CONDITION." A CONTINUAL <-- PROFOUND COMATOSE STATE WITH NO REASONABLE CHANCE OF RECOVERY OR A CONDITION CAUSED BY INJURY, DISEASE OR ILLNESS WHICH WITHIN A PHYSICIAN'S REASONABLE MEDICAL JUDGMENT WOULD USUALLY PRODUCE DEATH WITHIN ONE YEAR.
"Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment" or "POLST." One or more medical orders, issued for the care of an individual, regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other 20250SB0730PN0782 - 17 - medical interventions that are entered in accordance with section 5498.2 (relating to requirements for valid POLST).
"Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment" or "POLST." One or more medical orders, issued for the care of an individual, regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other medical interventions that are entered in accordance with section 5498.2 (relating to requirements for valid POLST).
"POLST form." The form for a POLST adopted under section 5498 (relating to POLST form).
20250SB0730PN1799 - 18 - "POLST form." The form for a POLST adopted under section 5498 (relating to POLST form).
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(a) Stable medical conditions.--A POLST is not recommended for individuals with stable, even if chronic, medical conditions and years of life expectancy.
<-- (a) Stable medical conditions.--A POLST is not recommended for individuals with stable, even if chronic, medical conditions and years of life expectancy.
§ 5494.
ELIGIBILITY.
<-- (A) LIFE-LIMITING AND IRREVERSIBLE CONDITION.--A POLST FOR AN INDIVIDUAL MAY ONLY BE COMPLETED AFTER A PHYSICIAN HAS DETERMINED, WITHIN REASONABLE MEDICAL JUDGMENT, AND HAS CONFIRMED IN WRITING, THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS A PERSON WHO HAS A DIAGNOSED LIFE-LIMITING AND IRREVERSIBLE CONDITION AND THAT THE INDIVIDUAL'S THEN-CURRENT HEALTH STATUS, DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS INDICATE THAT STANDING MEDICAL ORDERS CONCERNING TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE APPROPRIATE.
(B) PROGRESSION OF ILLNESS OR CONDITION.--A POLST MAY NOT BE COMPLETED FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A STABLE, EVEN IF CHRONIC, MEDICAL CONDITION UNLESS, WITHIN THE PHYSICIAN'S REASONABLE MEDICAL JUDGMENT, THE INDIVIDUAL'S ILLNESS OR CONDITION HAS PROGRESSED SUCH THAT MORTALITY WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR IS A REASONABLY FORESEEABLE CLINICAL OUTCOME, EVEN IF NOT CERTAIN.
(C) SERIOUS ILLNESS.--A POLST IS NOT APPROPRIATE SIMPLY 20250SB0730PN1799 - 19 - BECAUSE A PERSON IS SERIOUSLY ILL.
(D) CONSTRUCTION.--NOTHING IN THIS SUBCHAPTER SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO ADVANCE OR SUPPORT EUTHANASIA, SUICIDE OR HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER-ASSISTED SUICIDE.
20250SB0730PN0782 - 18 - (4) Provide a health care provider a financial incentive, payment, discount or rating incentive for having a policy or procedure relating to POLST completion.
(4) Provide a health care provider a financial incentive, payment, discount or rating incentive for having a policy or procedure relating to POLST completion.
(c) Consultation.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), a health care provider may be paid for consultation with or counseling of a patient concerning a POLST or offering advance health care planning.
(6) DENY, LIMIT, CONDITION, ALTER OR OTHERWISE AFFECT <-- COVERAGE, REIMBURSEMENT, AUTHORIZATION OR TREATMENT DECISIONS BASED SOLELY ON THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF A POLST, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE POLST CONSTITUTES A VALID MEDICAL ORDER DIRECTING OR LIMITING SPECIFIC TREATMENT CONSISTENT WITH APPLICABLE LAW.
(c) Consultation.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), a health care provider may be paid for consultation with or counseling of a patient concerning a POLST or offering advance health care 20250SB0730PN1799 - 20 - planning.
(4) A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR A HEALTH CARE FACILITY MAY <-- NOT DENY, LIMIT, CONDITION, ALTER OR OTHERWISE PROVIDE DIFFERING LEVELS OF CARE TO AN INDIVIDUAL BASED SOLELY ON THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF A POLST, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE LEVEL OF CARE IS EXPRESSLY DIRECTED OR LIMITED BY THE PATIENT AS SPECIFIED IN A VALID POLST.
(a) Appointment.--The secretary shall appoint a POLST Advisory Committee, including a chairperson and vice chairperson 20250SB0730PN0782 - 19 - of the committee.
(a) Appointment.--The secretary shall appoint a POLST Advisory Committee, including a chairperson and vice chairperson of the committee.
(b) Role of committee.--The committee shall advise the department on POLST-related matters, including the format and content of the POLST form and education about POLST.
(b) Role of committee.--The committee shall advise the department on POLST-related matters, including the format and 20250SB0730PN1799 - 21 - content of the POLST form and education about POLST.
and 20250SB0730PN0782 - 20 - (ii) nationally accepted physician orders for life- sustaining treatment standards and educational resources, including the National POLST Paradigm Task Force.
and (ii) nationally accepted physician orders for life- sustaining treatment standards and educational resources, including the National POLST Paradigm Task Force.
§ 5497.
20250SB0730PN1799 - 22 - § 5497.
(a) Development and update.--In consultation with the committee, the department shall adopt, and periodically update when appropriate, a standard POLST form for health care practitioners to issue a POLST with the voluntary consent of the 20250SB0730PN0782 - 21 - patient or an authorized surrogate decision maker.
(a) Development and update.--In consultation with the committee, the department shall adopt, and periodically update when appropriate, a standard POLST form for health care practitioners to issue a POLST with the voluntary consent of the patient or an authorized surrogate decision maker.
(b) Medical order options.-- (1) The POLST form shall include options for a set of medical orders for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other medical interventions that are determined to be appropriate for a POLST.
(b) Medical order options.-- (1) The POLST form shall include options for a set of 20250SB0730PN1799 - 23 - medical orders for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other medical interventions that are determined to be appropriate for a POLST.
(c) Notices.-- (1) The POLST form shall clearly and conspicuously state that a POLST may only be issued with the voluntary consent of the patient or the patient's authorized surrogate decision maker and that a patient or surrogate decision maker may not be compelled by a health care provider or health care insurer 20250SB0730PN0782 - 22 - to complete or sign a POLST.
(c) Notices.-- (1) The POLST form shall clearly and conspicuously state that a POLST may only be issued with the voluntary consent of the patient or the patient's authorized surrogate decision maker and that a patient or surrogate decision maker may not be compelled by a health care provider or health care insurer to complete or sign a POLST.
(2) The POLST form may include other notices regarding patient rights, health care practitioner responsibilities and availability of educational information which the department, in consultation with the committee, determines appropriate.
(2) The POLST form may include other notices regarding patient rights, health care practitioner responsibilities and 20250SB0730PN1799 - 24 - availability of educational information which the department, in consultation with the committee, determines appropriate.
(i) In addition to submitting for publication notice of the initial form in the next available issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin, the department shall serve a copy of the form to the Health and Human Services Committee of the Senate and the Health Committee of the House of 20250SB0730PN0782 - 23 - Representatives.
(i) In addition to submitting for publication notice of the initial form in the next available issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin, the department shall serve a copy of the form to the Health and Human Services Committee of the Senate and the Health Committee of the House of Representatives.
(ii) Within 60 days after the close of the comment period, the department shall submit to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the next available issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin a subsequent notice that responds to each comment the department has received.
(ii) Within 60 days after the close of the comment period, the department shall submit to the Legislative 20250SB0730PN1799 - 25 - Reference Bureau for publication in the next available issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin a subsequent notice that responds to each comment the department has received.
(g) POLST forms.--POLST forms executed prior to the 20250SB0730PN0782 - 24 - effective date of this subsection shall be recognized as valid POLST forms and shall have full force and effect as if executed on or after the effective date of this subsection.
(g) POLST forms.--POLST forms executed prior to the effective date of this subsection shall be recognized as valid POLST forms and shall have full force and effect as if executed on or after the effective date of this subsection.
(h) Printed copies.--The POLST form may not be required to be obtained exclusively from the department or any particular vendor.
20250SB0730PN1799 - 26 - (h) Printed copies.--The POLST form may not be required to be obtained exclusively from the department or any particular vendor.
(5) The voluntary consent requirement, including a patient's right to refuse to execute a POLST without adverse consequences under section 5495(b) and (d) (relating to 20250SB0730PN0782 - 25 - voluntary consent requirement).
(5) The voluntary consent requirement, including a patient's right to refuse to execute a POLST without adverse consequences under section 5495(b) and (d) (relating to voluntary consent requirement).
(6) The importance of a shared decision-making process to assure understanding and voluntary consent by patients and surrogate decision makers.
(6) The importance of a shared decision-making process to assure understanding and voluntary consent by patients and 20250SB0730PN1799 - 27 - surrogate decision makers.
(1) Use of the POLST form, except under sections 5498.5 20250SB0730PN0782 - 26 - (relating to copies of orders), 5498.15 (relating to POLST executed under prior POLST form), 5498.16 (relating to POLST executed under PLSWC form) and 5498.17 (relating to POLST executed in another state or jurisdiction).
(1) Use of the POLST form, except under sections 5498.5 (relating to copies of orders), 5498.15 (relating to POLST executed under prior POLST form), 5498.16 (relating to POLST executed under PLSWC form) and 5498.17 (relating to POLST 20250SB0730PN1799 - 28 - executed in another state or jurisdiction).
(3) No law or regulation governing the health care facility establishes a time limit in which the order must be countersigned, and the order is countersigned by the health 20250SB0730PN0782 - 27 - care practitioner within seven days.
(3) No law or regulation governing the health care facility establishes a time limit in which the order must be countersigned, and the order is countersigned by the health care practitioner within seven days.
(c) Verbal consent.--A surrogate decision maker's verbal consent for a POLST shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of subsection (a)(4) if all of the following requirements are met:
(c) Verbal consent.--A surrogate decision maker's verbal consent for a POLST shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements 20250SB0730PN1799 - 29 - of subsection (a)(4) if all of the following requirements are met:
(c) Other orders.--This subchapter does not prohibit a do- not-resuscitate or other order issued for care within a health care facility from being valid and actionable within that health care facility in accordance with the laws and regulations 20250SB0730PN0782 - 28 - governing the health care facility.
(c) Other orders.--This subchapter does not prohibit a do- not-resuscitate or other order issued for care within a health care facility from being valid and actionable within that health care facility in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the health care facility.
A health care facility may designate individuals who have been trained in a manner consistent with section 5498.1(c) (relating to education about POLST), including nurses and social workers, to participate in conversations with a patient or the patient's surrogate decision maker regarding a POLST or assisting in completion of the POLST form.
A health care facility may designate individuals who have 20250SB0730PN1799 - 30 - been trained in a manner consistent with section 5498.1(c) (relating to education about POLST), including nurses and social workers, to participate in conversations with a patient or the patient's surrogate decision maker regarding a POLST or assisting in completion of the POLST form.
20250SB0730PN0782 - 29 - § 5498.7.
§ 5498.7.
(a) Compliance.--When making a decision about a POLST on behalf of a patient, a surrogate decision maker shall comply with all applicable legal requirements for health care decision making by a surrogate decision maker, including those provided under subsection (b), and the decisions of the surrogate decision maker are subject to all applicable legal restrictions on decisions by a surrogate decision maker.
(a) Compliance.--When making a decision about a POLST on behalf of a patient, a surrogate decision maker shall comply 20250SB0730PN1799 - 31 - with all applicable legal requirements for health care decision making by a surrogate decision maker, including those provided under subsection (b), and the decisions of the surrogate decision maker are subject to all applicable legal restrictions on decisions by a surrogate decision maker.
20250SB0730PN0782 - 30 - (b) Notice.--A health care provider or surrogate decision maker who is informed of a revocation shall promptly communicate the fact of the revocation to any attending health care provider and to any health care facility from which the patient is receiving care.
(b) Notice.--A health care provider or surrogate decision maker who is informed of a revocation shall promptly communicate the fact of the revocation to any attending health care provider 20250SB0730PN1799 - 32 - and to any health care facility from which the patient is receiving care.
The POLST shall remain effective unless and until modified or voided as a result 20250SB0730PN0782 - 31 - of the review.
The POLST shall remain effective unless and until modified or voided as a result of the review.
(b) Recommended review.--In consultation with the committee, the department shall develop recommendations for other situations in which it is appropriate or advisable for a POLST to be reviewed, giving consideration to the following circumstances:
(b) Recommended review.--In consultation with the committee, the department shall develop recommendations for other 20250SB0730PN1799 - 33 - situations in which it is appropriate or advisable for a POLST to be reviewed, giving consideration to the following circumstances:
20250SB0730PN0782 - 32 - § 5498.12.
§ 5498.12.
(a) Medical command instructions.--Notwithstanding the absence of a do-not-resuscitate order in a POLST, emergency medical services providers shall at all times comply with the instructions of an authorized medical command physician to withhold or discontinue resuscitation.
(a) Medical command instructions.--Notwithstanding the absence of a do-not-resuscitate order in a POLST, emergency 20250SB0730PN1799 - 34 - medical services providers shall at all times comply with the instructions of an authorized medical command physician to withhold or discontinue resuscitation.
(c) Uncertainty regarding validity or applicability of do- not-resuscitate order in POLST.-- 20250SB0730PN0782 - 33 - (1) Emergency medical services providers who in good faith are uncertain about the validity or applicability of a do-not-resuscitate order in a POLST shall render care in accordance with their level of certification.
(c) Uncertainty regarding validity or applicability of do- not-resuscitate order in POLST.-- (1) Emergency medical services providers who in good faith are uncertain about the validity or applicability of a do-not-resuscitate order in a POLST shall render care in 20250SB0730PN1799 - 35 - accordance with their level of certification.
20250SB0730PN0782 - 34 - (c) Other protection.--This section does not limit the immunity available to a health care provider or person under section 5431 (relating to liability) or 5498.12(c)(2) (relating to emergency medical services).
(c) Other protection.--This section does not limit the immunity available to a health care provider or person under section 5431 (relating to liability) or 5498.12(c)(2) (relating 20250SB0730PN1799 - 36 - to emergency medical services).
(a) Validity.--Except as provided under subsection (b), a health care provider may comply with a POLST, or its substantial equivalent executed under the laws of another state or jurisdiction and in conformity with the laws of that state or 20250SB0730PN0782 - 35 - jurisdiction, if:
(a) Validity.--Except as provided under subsection (b), a health care provider may comply with a POLST, or its substantial equivalent executed under the laws of another state or jurisdiction and in conformity with the laws of that state or jurisdiction, if:
(1) the order meets the requirements of section 5498.2(a)(2), (3) and (4) (relating to requirements for valid POLST);
(1) the order meets the requirements of section 5498.2(a)(2), (3) and (4) (relating to requirements for valid 20250SB0730PN1799 - 37 - POLST);
The department shall report the status of the study to the committees at least every 180 days until the final results are 20250SB0730PN0782 - 36 - reported.
The department shall report the status of the study to the committees at least every 180 days until the final results are reported.
(1) The following provisions shall take effect immediately:
(1) The following provisions shall take effect 20250SB0730PN1799 - 38 - immediately:
20250SB0730PN0782 - 37 -
20250SB0730PN1799 - 39 -
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Action History

  1. Referred to Health

  2. Third consideration and final passage

  3. Re-reported as committed

  4. Re-referred to Appropriations

  5. Second consideration

  6. First consideration

  7. Reported as amended

  8. Referred to Health & Human Services

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 3 co-sponsors · 249 not signed on · 20 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (3)

Not signed on (249)

249 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 249 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Passed 28 Yea · 21 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 27000
Democratic 12100
Unaffiliated 0001
Total 282101
% of votes cast 56%42%0%2%
How each member voted (50)
Member Party Vote
Anthony Williams — Not Voting
Amanda M. Cappelletti Democratic Nay
Art Haywood Democratic Nay
Carolyn T. Comitta Democratic Nay
Christine M. Tartaglione Democratic Nay
James Andrew Malone Democratic Yea
Jay Costa Democratic Nay
John I. Kane Democratic Nay
Judith L. Schwank Democratic Nay
Katie J. Muth Democratic Nay
Lindsey M. Williams Democratic Nay
Lisa M. Boscola Democratic Nay
Maria Collett Democratic Nay
Marty Flynn Democratic Nay
Nick Miller Democratic Nay
Nick Pisciottano Democratic Nay
Nikil Saval Democratic Nay
Patty Kim Democratic Nay
Sharif Street Democratic Nay
Steven J. Santarsiero Democratic Nay
Timothy P. Kearney Democratic Nay
Vincent J. Hughes Democratic Nay
Wayne D. Fontana Democratic Nay
Camera Bartolotta Republican Yea
Chris Gebhard Republican Yea
Cris Dush Republican Yea
Daniel Laughlin Republican Yea
David G. Argall Republican Yea
Dawn W. Keefer Republican Yea
Devlin J. Robinson Republican Yea
Doug Mastriano Republican Yea
Elder A. Vogel Republican Yea
Frank A. Farry Republican Yea
Gene Yaw Republican Yea
Greg Rothman Republican Yea
Jarrett Coleman Republican Yea
Joe Picozzi Republican Yea
Joe Pittman Republican Yea
Judy Ward Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Yea
Kristin Phillips-Hill Republican Yea
Lisa Baker Republican Yea
Lynda Schlegel Culver Republican Yea
Michele Brooks Republican Yea
Patrick J. Stefano Republican Yea
Rosemary M. Brown Republican Yea
Scott E. Hutchinson Republican Yea
Scott Martin Republican Yea
Tracy Pennycuick Republican Yea
Wayne Langerholc Republican Yea

Official roll call →

FINAL PASSAGE

Passed 49 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 27000
Democratic 22000
Unaffiliated 0001
Total 49001
% of votes cast 98%0%0%2%
How each member voted (50)
Member Party Vote
Anthony Williams — Not Voting
Amanda M. Cappelletti Democratic Yea
Art Haywood Democratic Yea
Carolyn T. Comitta Democratic Yea
Christine M. Tartaglione Democratic Yea
James Andrew Malone Democratic Yea
Jay Costa Democratic Yea
John I. Kane Democratic Yea
Judith L. Schwank Democratic Yea
Katie J. Muth Democratic Yea
Lindsey M. Williams Democratic Yea
Lisa M. Boscola Democratic Yea
Maria Collett Democratic Yea
Marty Flynn Democratic Yea
Nick Miller Democratic Yea
Nick Pisciottano Democratic Yea
Nikil Saval Democratic Yea
Patty Kim Democratic Yea
Sharif Street Democratic Yea
Steven J. Santarsiero Democratic Yea
Timothy P. Kearney Democratic Yea
Vincent J. Hughes Democratic Yea
Wayne D. Fontana Democratic Yea
Camera Bartolotta Republican Yea
Chris Gebhard Republican Yea
Cris Dush Republican Yea
Daniel Laughlin Republican Yea
David G. Argall Republican Yea
Dawn W. Keefer Republican Yea
Devlin J. Robinson Republican Yea
Doug Mastriano Republican Yea
Elder A. Vogel Republican Yea
Frank A. Farry Republican Yea
Gene Yaw Republican Yea
Greg Rothman Republican Yea
Jarrett Coleman Republican Yea
Joe Picozzi Republican Yea
Joe Pittman Republican Yea
Judy Ward Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Yea
Kristin Phillips-Hill Republican Yea
Lisa Baker Republican Yea
Lynda Schlegel Culver Republican Yea
Michele Brooks Republican Yea
Patrick J. Stefano Republican Yea
Rosemary M. Brown Republican Yea
Scott E. Hutchinson Republican Yea
Scott Martin Republican Yea
Tracy Pennycuick Republican Yea
Wayne Langerholc Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Passed 21 Yea · 0 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 14000
Democratic 7001
Total 21001
% of votes cast 95%0%0%5%
How each member voted (22)
Member Party Vote
Amanda M. Cappelletti Democratic Yea
Art Haywood Democratic Yea
Jay Costa Democratic Yea
Judith L. Schwank Democratic Yea
Patty Kim Democratic Yea
Sharif Street Democratic Yea
Timothy P. Kearney Democratic Yea
Vincent J. Hughes Democratic Not Voting
Cris Dush Republican Yea
Daniel Laughlin Republican Yea
Devlin J. Robinson Republican Yea
Elder A. Vogel Republican Yea
Jarrett Coleman Republican Yea
Joe Picozzi Republican Yea
Joe Pittman Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Yea
Kristin Phillips-Hill Republican Yea
Lynda Schlegel Culver Republican Yea
Rosemary M. Brown Republican Yea
Scott Martin Republican Yea
Tracy Pennycuick Republican Yea
Wayne Langerholc Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Passed 13 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democratic 5000
Republican 8000
Total 13000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (13)
Member Party Vote
Amanda M. Cappelletti Democratic Yea
Art Haywood Democratic Yea
Judith L. Schwank Democratic Yea
Maria Collett Democratic Yea
Sharif Street Democratic Yea
Daniel Laughlin Republican Yea
Frank A. Farry Republican Yea
Judy Ward Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Yea
Lynda Schlegel Culver Republican Yea
Michele Brooks Republican Yea
Patrick J. Stefano Republican Yea
Scott E. Hutchinson Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Passed 13 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democratic 5000
Republican 8000
Total 13000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (13)
Member Party Vote
Amanda M. Cappelletti Democratic Yea
Art Haywood Democratic Yea
Judith L. Schwank Democratic Yea
Maria Collett Democratic Yea
Sharif Street Democratic Yea
Daniel Laughlin Republican Yea
Frank A. Farry Republican Yea
Judy Ward Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Yea
Lynda Schlegel Culver Republican Yea
Michele Brooks Republican Yea
Patrick J. Stefano Republican Yea
Scott E. Hutchinson Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 730?
SB 730 is sponsored by Gene Yaw (Republican), Wayne D. Fontana (Democratic), Lisa Baker (Republican), and Judy Ward (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 730?
This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced May 12, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track SB 730?
Track SB 730 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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