A Washington advance directive is a document that allows patients to plan ahead for healthcare decisions that may need to be invoked in the future. Its contents include instructions for medical staff on what type of medical care can and cannot be provided as well as the designation of a health care power of attorney who may make decisions on behalf of the patient. The health care agent may only act when the patient does not possess the capacity to decide for themselves.

Spanish (Español) Version – Adobe PDF

What’s Included?

• Living Will
• Medical Power of Attorney
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

Laws

• Living Will – RCW 70.122.030
• Medical Power of Attorney – RCW 11.125.090

Signing Requirements (RCW 70.122.030) – Two (2) witnesses or a notary public

 State Definitions

• Directive (RCW 70.122.020(3)) – “Directive” means a written document voluntarily executed by the declarer generally consistent with the guidelines of RCW 70.122.030.
• Power of Attorney (RCW 11.125.020(7)) – “Power of attorney” means a writing that uses the term “power of attorney” and grants authority to an agent to act in the place of the principal.

Versions (5)

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Everplans

Download: Adobe PDF

 

 

 

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Honoring Choices

Download: Adobe PDF

 

 

 

 

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Northwest Justice Project

Download: Adobe PDF

 

 

 

 

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Department of Social and Health Services

Download: Adobe PDF

 

 

 

 

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End of Life Washington

Download: Adobe PDF

 

 

 

 

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