A Washington medical power of attorney lets you assign decision-making power over your health care matters to another person. Their power goes into effect if you become sick and can’t make essential medical decisions for yourself. While you’re still healthy and able, you keep the right to decide for yourself. In Washington, this document is called a durable power of attorney for health care.
Laws
- Statute: RCW §§ 11.125.010 through 11.125.903
- Signing Requirements: Two witnesses or a notary public (RCW § 11.125.050 & RCW § 64.08.100).
- The witnesses cannot be home care providers or related to the principal by blood or marriage.
- Revocation: Give written notice of cancellation to your agent and any healthcare professionals involved in your care. If your spouse is your agent, your divorce or separation from them automatically revokes their power as your agent.
Sample
