What is advance healthcare planning and how can I do it?

Advance healthcare planning is the process of creating a plan for medical care and end of life decisions in the event that a person can no longer express their own wishes. In Washington, individuals over 18 years old can create an advance directive (also known as a living will), which empower someone else to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. Creating an advance directive allows a person to make their wishes known in the event they are unable to make the decisions themselves. These directives can cover both medical decisions and end of life matters. For example, someone can tell their healthcare team whether they wish to receive life-sustaining treatments or be kept comfortable until death. They can also appoint a healthcare agent to make decisions based on their wishes. To create an advance directive in Washington, you must be 18 years old and have the capacity to understand the decision. Start by procuring the necessary forms from your healthcare provider, lawyer, or online. You should provide detailed instructions for your healthcare agent, such as what medical treatments you want or do not want, and medical conditions that should be taken into account. You must also sign the form in front of two witnesses and a notary. Finally, make sure your healthcare provider or lawyer has a copy of your directive, and give copies to your healthcare agent and any other important individuals.

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What is advance healthcare planning and how can I do it?

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