Advance Directive for Health Care (Living Will)

What is a Health Care Directive?

It is a form that lets you state what kind of medical treatments you do or don’t want if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious and cannot make decisions for yourself. It also lets you write down your health care values.

What are health care values?

They are your wishes and preferences for health care, including your religious, ethical, and personal preferences for care. They should guide health care decisions made for you when you cannot make decisions for yourself in all situations, not just if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious. 

Examples:

• “I’m worried about having the feeling of choking. Please do anything you can to relieve me of that stress.”
• “I can tolerate a low level of pain – balance pain with keeping my brain clear.”
• “Quality of life is more important to me than getting a lot of medical care.”
• “What matters to me most is being in a hospital with excellent care.” 
• “The ability to be in the outdoors is what makes life worth living for me. If my health condition prevents me from being outside at all, then I would no longer want to live.”
• “It is important to me to be able to recognize my family and say goodbye.”
• “I want to spend my last days at home.”
• “In my religion, we . . . (describe your religious traditions regarding health care).
• “I love jazz music and would like to listen to it whenever possible.”

Does my Health Care Directive form say who will make decisions for me?

No. You need a Durable Power of Attorney to do that. A power of attorney lets you choose a trusted friend or relative to help you with your health care decisions. You can fill it out separately or at the same time as your Health Care Directive on WA Forms Online. 

Think carefully about who you want as your power of attorney (agent). Choose someone that you trust to make decisions in line with your health care values, even if they would make different decisions for themself.

Can I still make my own decisions?

Yes! You can still make your own health care decisions if you are capable. You can also change or cancel your directive at any time.

Does my Health Care Directive form need to be notarized?

It is best to sign your Health Care Directive form in front of a notary. If you can’t find a notary, you can sign in front of two “disinterested” witnesses. 

What should I do after I sign it?

Give copies to your medical provider/s, your agent, and a trusted friend or relative. Ask your local hospital if they will put it on file for you.