This Living Will Package contains essential forms that allow you to make decisions about life support and direct others to implement your desires in that regard. These forms allow a person to explain in writing which medical treatment he or she does or does not want during a terminal illness. The following forms are included:
1. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
2. Revocation of Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
3. Statutory Equivalent of Living Will - Health Care Directive
4. Revocation of Statutory Equivalent of Living Will - Health Care Directive
5. Uniform Anatomical Gift Act Donation
6. Revocation of Anatomical Gift Donation
A Living Will for Washington State, also known as an Advance Health Care Directive, is a legal document that allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences and decisions in the event they become incapable of expressing their wishes. It ensures that their desires regarding medical treatments are respected and followed. In Washington State, there are two distinct types of Living Wills: 1. Health Care Directive: A Health Care Directive is a comprehensive and detailed document that outlines specific instructions regarding medical treatments and end-of-life care. It covers a wide range of healthcare decisions, including the use of life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation preferences, pain management, organ donation, and more. This type of Living Will allows individuals to clearly express their wishes while providing guidance to their healthcare providers and loved ones during critical times. 2. POST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): POST is a portable medical order specifically designed for individuals with serious or life-limiting illnesses. It is a form completed by a healthcare professional in collaboration with the patient, reflecting their current medical condition and treatment preferences. POST includes actionable instructions regarding life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, and hospitalization preferences. It is signed by both the patient and the healthcare professional, allowing for immediate implementation across various healthcare settings. When creating a Living Will in Washington State, it is crucial to involve an attorney or utilize official state-approved forms. These documents should adhere to Washington's specific legal requirements to ensure their validity. The purpose of a Living Will is to provide individuals with control and autonomy over their healthcare decisions, even when they cannot actively participate due to incapacitation. By clearly expressing their preferences in advance, individuals can ease the burden on their loved ones and ensure their medical treatment aligns with their values and beliefs. Keywords: Living Will, Washington State, Advance Health Care Directive, healthcare preferences, legal document, medical treatments, end-of-life care, health care directive, POST, physician orders for life-sustaining treatment, serious illness, life-limiting illness, resuscitation preferences, organ donation, pain management, attorney, state-approved forms, control and autonomy, incapacitation, values and beliefs.
