A living will is a crucial document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment in the event that you become unable to communicate your wishes. In Washington State, this legal instrument is recognized and provides clarity to healthcare providers and your loved ones about your desires regarding life-sustaining treatment. Below are three practical examples of Washington living wills that illustrate different scenarios.
This is a straightforward living will suited for individuals who want to specify their wishes regarding medical treatment in a clear and concise manner.
In this example, an individual, Jane Doe, has decided to create a living will that reflects her wishes regarding end-of-life care.
LIVING WILL
I, Jane Doe, born on January 1, 1970, residing at 123 Main St, Seattle, WA 98101, declare this to be my Living Will.
If at any time I should be diagnosed with a terminal condition or be in a persistent vegetative state, and I am unable to communicate my wishes, I direct that:
1. I do not wish for life-sustaining treatment to be administered to me if it only prolongs the dying process.
2. I wish to receive comfort care to alleviate pain and suffering.
Date: [Insert Date]
Signature: _______________________
Witness: _________________________
Witness: _________________________
This example emphasizes the individual’s desire not to prolong life artificially under certain conditions.
This example is tailored for those who want to delineate specific medical interventions they either want or don’t want in various scenarios.
Here, John Smith has identified particular treatments he wishes to refuse under specific circumstances.
LIVING WILL
I, John Smith, born on February 2, 1980, residing at 456 Elm St, Spokane, WA 99201, declare this to be my Living Will.
In the event that I am unable to communicate my wishes due to illness or injury, I direct that:
1. If I am diagnosed with a terminal illness:
- I do not wish to receive resuscitation, intubation, or mechanical ventilation.
- I refuse artificial nutrition and hydration.
2. If I am in a persistent vegetative state:
- I wish to receive palliative care to ensure my comfort.
Date: [Insert Date]
Signature: _______________________
Witness: _________________________
Witness: _________________________
This detailed living will provides healthcare providers with specific guidance on the types of treatment the individual wishes to refuse, making it clear and actionable.
This example not only outlines treatment preferences but also designates a healthcare proxy to make decisions on behalf of the individual.
In this scenario, Sarah Brown has appointed her sister as her healthcare proxy.
LIVING WILL AND HEALTHCARE PROXY
I, Sarah Brown, born on March 3, 1990, residing at 789 Pine St, Tacoma, WA 98402, declare this to be my Living Will.
If I become unable to make decisions regarding my medical treatment, I designate my sister, Emily Brown, as my healthcare proxy.
I wish for the following medical treatments to be administered or withheld in the event of:
1. Terminal illness:
- I do not wish to receive life-sustaining treatment if it only prolongs the dying process.
2. Persistent vegetative state:
- I wish to receive only palliative care and comfort measures.
Date: [Insert Date]
Signature: _______________________
Witness: _________________________
Witness: _________________________
This example combines the authority of a healthcare proxy with explicit treatment preferences, ensuring that the designated person understands the individual’s wishes.
These examples of Washington living will examples serve as templates to help you create a document that reflects your wishes regarding medical treatment. It’s essential to ensure that your living will is compliant with state laws and updated as necessary.