Official Living Will Template for the State of Washington Make Your Document Now

Official Living Will Template for the State of Washington

A Washington Living Will form is a legal document that allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their wishes. This important tool ensures that healthcare providers and loved ones understand a person's desires regarding life-sustaining measures. By creating a Living Will, individuals can take control of their healthcare decisions, providing peace of mind for themselves and their families.

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Similar forms

The Living Will form shares similarities with several other important documents. Each serves a unique purpose but focuses on health care decisions and personal wishes. Here are six documents that are similar to a Living Will:

  • Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This document allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. Like a Living Will, it addresses health care preferences.
  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A DNR order specifies that you do not want life-saving treatments if your heart stops or you stop breathing. This aligns with the intent of a Living Will to express your wishes about end-of-life care.
  • Articles of Incorporation: The New York Articles of Incorporation form is essential for establishing a corporation in New York, detailing its name, purpose, and structure. To facilitate this process, you can access Fillable Forms that simplify the completion and filing of these legal documents.
  • Health Care Proxy: Similar to a Durable Power of Attorney, this document designates a person to make health care decisions for you. It can work alongside a Living Will to ensure your wishes are honored.
  • Advance Directive: This is a broader term that includes both Living Wills and Durable Powers of Attorney. It outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment and appoints someone to make decisions if you cannot.
  • Organ Donation Consent: This document indicates your wishes regarding organ donation after death. It complements a Living Will by ensuring your preferences are known and respected.
  • Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): A POLST form provides specific medical orders based on your wishes. It is often used in conjunction with a Living Will to guide emergency medical personnel.

Document Sample

Washington Living Will Template

This Living Will is created according to the laws of the State of Washington. This document expresses your wishes regarding medical treatment in the event you become unable to communicate your decisions.

Personal Information

  • Full Name: ________________________________
  • Date of Birth: ____________________________
  • Address: __________________________________
  • City, State, Zip Code: ______________________
  • Phone Number: _____________________________

Declaration

I, the undersigned, wish to make known my preferences regarding medical treatments in situations where I am unable to express my wishes myself. This directive applies to my medical care and treatment, including the use of life-sustaining treatments.

Health Care Instructions

  1. If I have a terminal condition or am in a persistent vegetative state, I do not wish to receive the following treatments:
    • Artificial ventilation
    • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
    • Nutrition and hydration through medical means
  2. In other situations where I cannot communicate, I wish to receive the following types of care:
    • Comfort measures
    • Pain relief
    • Other supportive care as deemed appropriate by my physician

Additional Instructions

Please note any specific wishes or concerns you may have regarding your medical treatment:

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Signature

By signing below, I affirm that I am of sound mind and am acting of my own free will:

Signature: ____________________________

Date: ________________________________

Witnesses

This Living Will must be signed in the presence of two competent witnesses who are not related to you and will not inherit from you:

  • Witness 1 Name: ______________________ Signature: ___________________ Date: ________________
  • Witness 2 Name: ______________________ Signature: ___________________ Date: ________________

This document is effective immediately upon signing unless otherwise stated.

Key takeaways

  • Purpose: The Washington Living Will form allows individuals to express their healthcare preferences in case they become unable to communicate their wishes.
  • Eligibility: Any adult resident of Washington State can complete a Living Will. It is important to be of sound mind when filling out the document.
  • Specific Instructions: The form should clearly outline the types of medical treatment a person wishes to receive or refuse, particularly in end-of-life situations.
  • Witness Requirements: The Living Will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, who cannot be family members or individuals who would benefit from the individual's estate.
  • Revocation: Individuals have the right to revoke or change their Living Will at any time, as long as they are competent to do so.
  • Distribution: After completing the form, it is crucial to provide copies to healthcare providers, family members, and anyone involved in the individual's care.

Other Common State-specific Living Will Templates

Instructions on How to Fill Out Washington Living Will

Filling out the Washington Living Will form is an important step in expressing your healthcare preferences. Once completed, you will have a document that clearly outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment in case you cannot communicate them yourself.

  1. Obtain the Washington Living Will form. You can find it online or request a copy from a legal document provider.
  2. Read through the entire form carefully to understand what information is required.
  3. Begin by filling in your full name, address, and date of birth at the top of the form.
  4. Specify your healthcare preferences. This may include your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, resuscitation, and other medical interventions.
  5. Clearly state any specific instructions or preferences you have regarding your care. Be as detailed as necessary to ensure your wishes are understood.
  6. Designate an agent if you wish to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. Provide their full name and contact information.
  7. Review the completed form for accuracy and clarity. Make sure all sections are filled out as intended.
  8. Sign and date the form in the designated area. This is essential for the document to be valid.
  9. Have the form witnessed. Washington law requires that two witnesses sign the document. They should not be related to you or have any financial interest in your estate.
  10. Keep copies of the signed form in a safe place. Share copies with your healthcare provider and the person you designated as your agent.