A living will is a legal instrument that tells those providing you with medical care when you want them to stop life-sustaining medical treatment and let you pass. A health care power of attorney allows someone you appoint to make medical treatment decisions for you if you are no longer able to make them yourself.

The formality and extent of a living will is a combination of the manner in which the document is written, and which state it was written to be used within. Different states also have different laws concerning advanced directives. The state which you will likely be receiving medical care should be taken into account when writing an advanced directive.

Here are some resources pertaining to Advanced Directives in both Washington and Oregon. If you are in another state, you can find resources at https://www.caringinfo.org/planning/advance-directives/by-state/. Your healthcare provider may also have forms. Compassion and Choices is another resource.

Also, Washington State Medical Association: Advanced Directives has Advanced Directive forms for $1.75. Their website offers an overview of Advanced Directives and many answers to frequently asked questions.

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Filing and Registering your Advanced Directives

If you travel often or are are concerned that you may not be with your primary care provider in the event of an accident  you can register and preserve your advanced directive with It is a secure, on-line database. Your document can be easily accessed by you, or by health care providers anywhere. The USACPR provides labels to affix to your insurance card & driver’s license, stating that your advance directive is registered, and a wallet card listing your registration number.