Write It Down

Once you have thought about your wishes, it is important to write them down in a legal document. The following documents are called advance directives. Advance directives should be updated regularly and shared with your health care agent, loved ones, doctor, and hospital. You may complete one or both documents.

1. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is a legal document where you can select a health care agent to make health care decisions for you if you cannot.
2. Health Care Directive (Living Will) is a legal document that tells your doctor what treatments you would or would not want if you were permanently unconscious or not expected to recover.

The Advance Directive includes both the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and the Health Care Directive, along with directions for how to complete it and make sure it is legally valid.

There is more information about each document below.

It is important that once you fill out one or both of these documents that you make sure they are legally valid. The instructions can be found in the Advance Directive document and include:

• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care – Washington residents must have their signature on the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care form either acknowledged by a notary public or witnessed by two people. If using witnesses, they:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and competent.
  • Must watch you sign this form and complete their section of the form below.
  • Cannot be related to you or your health care agent by blood, marriage, or state registered domestic partnership.
  • Cannot be your home care provider or a care provider at an adult family home or long-term care facility where you live.
  • Cannot be your designated health care agent(s).

Click here to find a notary near you.

• Health Care Directive – Washington residents must have their signature on the Health Care Directive witnessed by two people who:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and competent.
  • Must watch you sign this form.
  • Cannot be related to you by blood or marriage.
  • Would not be entitled to any portion of your estate upon your death.
  • Cannot be your attending physician or an employee of your attending physician or health care facility where you are a patient.
  • Cannot be any person who has claim against any portion of your estate at the time of signature of this document.

Please note that the witness requirements for the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care differ from the Health Care Directive, and that the Health Care Directive cannot be notarized. These laws are in place to ensure it is truly your voice that is heard if you are unable to communicate.

Once you complete the written documents, it is important that you share your wishes and the documents.