An Advance Directive is a statement that declares what kind of treatment a patient wants after he or she has become incompetent or unable to communicate to medical personnel.

Washington law recognizes two types of Advance Directives:

• A health care directive or “living will.” (This is not the same as a “will” or living trust” which are financial documents that plan for the distribution of your financial assets and property.) Advance directives spell out the types of life-sustaining measures you do and do not want. You do not need a lawyer to complete your living will, but you will need a witness’ signature.
  
• A durable power of attorney for health care or DPAHC. (This is not the same as a power of attorney which deals with personal and financial matters.) This document allows you to designate an individual to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to do so.

The process of discussing and writing advance directives should be ongoing, rather than a single event. Keep the original document in a safe place where family members can get to them (not in a safety deposit box). Give copies to people such as a spouse, family members, physicians, local hospital and clergy. Changes can be made at any time, but be sure to give out new, updated copies.

Adults with serious health conditions, who may need to make decisions about life-sustaining treatments at the end of life, are now encouraged to fill out a form called the Physicians Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment or POLST. The POLST form is intended to help you and your physician discuss your wishes. It assists health care providers, health care facilities, and emergency medical personnel to carry out your preferences for end of life care.