The Washington Advance Directive serves to publish an arrangement to confirm a person’s decisions for medical treatment preferences and appointment of a designated attorney-in-fact within the same document. The form standardizes a space to record the options an individual wishes to institute for health care choices should they become unconscious or comatose and can no longer communicate their desired selections. Included in the paperwork’s contents is the medical power of attorney to indicate an appointed agent to make decisions on the principal’s behalf and a living will to determine their requested basic health care alternatives. The living will portion aids in verifying the course of action to be taken in cases where the patient would require resuscitation, surgery, medication, or a blood transfusion according to the declarant’s needs. The signing of the registry will necessitate the assistance of two (2) witnesses that have no relation by blood or marriage to the principal and do not stand to gain from the estate of the individual. In addition, the execution of the filing will need to be overseen and sanctioned by a notary public endorsement.

This Document Contains:

Laws

Statute – Medical POA Washington Natural Death Act (R.C.W. § 70-122), Living Will Washington Natural Death Act (R.C.W. § 70-122).

Definitions – “Directive” means a written document voluntarily executed by the declarer generally consistent with the guidelines of R.C.W. § 70-122-020(3).

Signing Requirements – Acknowledgment of execution requires a licensed notary or an official legally authorized by the state (such as an attorney) in addition to two (2) approved witnessing parties (§ 70-122-030).

Revocation – § 70-122-040