Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (WA)

A health care power of attorney is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust — for example, a family member or close friend — to make decisions about your medical care if you're unable to make or communicate decisions for yourself. This could include decisions about life support, which treatments you receive, and where you receive care.

This person, called an "agent," "representative," or "attorney-in-fact," can make sure health care providers follow your wishes, and decide how your wishes apply as your condition changes. Doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers must follow your agent's decisions as if they were your own.

You can place limits on their authority as well as appoint an alternate agent in case your first agent is unavailable. Depending on which state you live in, your document may also have a place for you to include your preferences for certain types of medical care and organ donation.

It's important to complete this crucial part of your advance care planning before you are incapacitated or impaired. This document is most effective when used together with a living will document, but can be used without one.