What is a health care directive?

A health care directive is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes regarding their medical treatment in the event that they are unable to express those wishes. In Washington, this legal document also contains a Power of Attorney which authorizes another person to make medical decisions for the signing individual if a medical emergency occurs. A health care directive typically includes instructions on what types of treatments should be used, including considerations for end of life care. It is important to make these decisions while a person is still healthy and sound of mind. There are different types of advance directives in Washington, including the Health Care Directive and the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. The latter document lets you appoint someone else to make decisions if you are unable to. By completing a health care directive, you are informing your health care providers, family, and friends of your wishes in case of a medical emergency. This document can be used to instruct your family and health care providers on how to handle your medical care, in the event that you are unable to make informed decisions due to illness. It can provide important guidance to those caring for you, ensuring that your wishes are respected. Having this document in place can ease the burden on your family and friends during a difficult time and help to protect your health and wellbeing. In Washington, it is strongly recommended that everyone over age 18 have a health care directive in place.

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What is a health care directive?

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