Facing end-of-life decisions is never easy. But planning ahead ensures that your voice is heard, even if you can no longer speak for yourself. In Washington, if you become incapacitated due to a terminal condition or permanent unconsciousness, healthcare providers can rely on a legally executed advance directive to guide your care.
Without a directive in place, your loved ones and medical team may be forced to make difficult decisions without knowing your wishes. This uncertainty can lead to conflict, emotional strain, and medical interventions that may not reflect your values or beliefs. An Advance Healthcare Directive gives you control, and can offer clarity, reduce stress for your family, and ensure your care aligns with your intentions.
Contact us today to speak to an estate planning attorney serving Spokane Valley about Advance Healthcare Directive options.
Advance Healthcare Directives, also known as Living Wills, are legal documents that state your preferences for medical treatment if you are unable to communicate them. Importantly, in Washington, these documents only become effective in very specific circumstances-when you are diagnosed with a terminal condition by a licensed physician, or if two doctors determine you are permanently unconscious. These directives allow you to specify which life-sustaining treatments you do or do not want to receive.. These treatments can include things like artificial hydration and nutrition, dialysis, pain management, and life support machines (e.g., ECMO, ventilators, CPAP machines, etc.). An Advance Directive can also describe your general beliefs and philosophical values concerning end-of-life care.
In Washington, you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to execute a valid directive. It must be signed in the presence of two adult witnesses who are not related to you or named in your estate plan.
A Durable Power Of Attorney for Healthcare allows you to name someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you’re no longer able. This person has legal authority to interpret your wishes and speak with your medical providers on your behalf.
This is especially important when real-time medical decisions require judgment. Your agent helps ensure your end-of-life goals are followed consistently, even as circumstances evolve.
We recommend having both a Living Will and a Durable Healthcare Power Of Attorney, so there’s no uncertainty about your wishes or who should speak for you.
A DNR order is a physician-authorized instruction that specifically tells medical professionals not to attempt CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing. If you are in a hospital, you can ask staff to add a DNR to your medical records, so they know not to attempt life-saving care.
If you have a DNR order, no one can revoke it except you or your agent with Healthcare Power Of Attorney.
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms are medical orders completed with your doctor that provide clear, actionable instructions to emergency responders and healthcare providers about the level of care you want in a medical crisis. Unlike a General Healthcare Directive, a POLST is intended for individuals with serious illnesses or frailty and is designed to guide treatment in real-time during emergencies.
The form is bright green so it can be easily recognized by EMTs and hospital staff. It’s recommended to keep your POLST in a highly visible location, such as posted on your refrigerator, to ensure it can be quickly found and followed during an emergency.
Having an advance directive can benefit your loved ones by giving them clear directions on what to do with your medical care. It can provide peace of mind and protect your autonomy in your most vulnerable time. Specifically, a Healthcare Directive can:
Planning for end-of-life matters can seem intimidating, especially if you are currently young and healthy. Advance Directives are essential for anyone who wishes to maintain control over how they die—not just how they live. While they are especially urgent for those with terminal illnesses, chronic conditions, or aging-related concerns, even healthy adults should have one in place, since life-threatening events can happen unexpectedly.
If you’re facing a diagnosis such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, or advanced heart or lung disease, your directive becomes even more important. In these cases, your preferences may evolve over time, so it’s wise to review and update your documents regularly.
Healthcare decisions affect some of the most sensitive and private aspects of life. Our attorneys at ELG Estate Planning who serve Spokane Valley understand that end-of-life planning is deeply personal. They will take the time to listen, answer your questions, and help you articulate your goals clearly- both for your own peace of mind and for the people who may need to act on your behalf.
We don’t view healthcare planning in isolation. A complete estate plan is a coordinated set of documents that work together to protect you during life and after death. Your Advance Healthcare Directive is an essential component—but it’s most effective when they’re integrated with your broader estate plan.
Our team ensures that your healthcare preferences align with your Will, Trust, and other planning tools so nothing is overlooked.
Yes, but only in limited circumstances. Doctors can refuse to honor an Advance Healthcare Directive if it conflicts with their religious/ethical beliefs or if it violates hospital policy or accepted medical standards. However, care will be transferred to another provider who will comply when appropriate.
No, Advance Healthcare Directives do not expire in Washington. They last until you revoke them, create a new directive, or die. Since they don’t expire, it is recommended to update a directive every few years to capture changing beliefs and values.
Not necessarily. You do not legally have to notarize an Advance Healthcare Directive in Washington if you have at least two witnesses sign it. However, notarization can make it easier to strengthen the legal validity and confirm its authenticity.
Advances in medical technology have brought great strides in medical care. These advancements have also made it all the more necessary for individuals to specify what kinds of medical care they would like to receive. The attorneys from ELG Estate Planning can help you articulate your wishes and draft a healthcare directive to express them. We understand that every person’s needs are unique and will work with you to understand your beliefs and desires regarding medical care.
Contact our offices online or call today for a case consultation with an estate planning attorney serving Spokane Valley.
