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Living Will Form - Washington
A Washington Living Will - sometimes confused with an Advance Directive - is a crucial part of a patient's medical records, which all too often do not indicate the appropriate palliative care measures the patient desires. Most people do not have adequate paperwork when illness strikes. In the absence of a legal will, all decisions about medical care become the responsibility of the spouse, the children, and other family members - or even a third party. These people may not be aware of the patient's wishes, or they may not choose to follow the patient's unwritten verbal directives.
Download a Living Will through the link below or make your own form using our online form builder .
In most states, a person can extend their will to cover dangerous situations - like severe injuries or situations when the doctors expect the patient to remain unconscious for the rest of their life even if terminal illness or a life-threatening injury is not currently present.
A Living Will in Washington State is defined by Chapter 70.122. (Natural Death Act) of the Washington Revised Code . The document must be signed by two (2) witnesses. It is not valid if the patient is pregnant at the time of disability.
What Is a Washington Living Will?
A Living Will is a legal document intended for ensuring and specifying an individual's end-of-life wishes regarding health care and treatment in the event of their permanent or temporary incapacity. Common reasons for a will include a decline in health, the possibility of surgery or hospitalization or getting diagnosed with a terminal condition.
It is a good idea for all adults to have a will even with it not being mandatory. If something were to happen, the medical professionals in charge of treating the individual have the biggest say in what happens to them once they can no longer communicate what they want to be done.
How to Make a Living Will in Washington?
Difficult health-related situations can occur to any person at any age, so it is a good idea for all adults to have a will. Usually, a basic ready-made Living Will should address most of the medical procedures common in life-threatening situations, such as resuscitation via electric shock, ventilation, and dialysis. An individual can choose to allow some of these procedures or none of them. They may also indicate whether they wish to donate organs and tissues after death. Even if a person refuses life-sustaining care, they can express the desire to receive pain medication throughout final hours including the related provisions in their Living Will.
When completing a will an individual may appoint an agent - or a health care proxy - to make decisions on their behalf in the event of incapacitation. No notarization is required unless otherwise specifically requested by the proxy.
Download Living Will Form - Washington
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