Life Sustaining Statute, Washington
Statutory Directive to Physicians in Conformance with Washington R.C.W. 70.122.030
DIRECTIVE TO PHYSICIANS
Directive made this __________ day of ________________ 20________. I, ______________, being of sound mind, willfully and voluntarily make known my desires that my dying shall not be artificially prolonged under the circumstances set forth below, and do hereby declare that:
(a) If at any time I should have an incurable injury, disease, or illness certified to be a terminal condition by two physicians, and where the application of life-sustaining procedures would serve only to artificially prolong the moment of my death and where my physician determines that my death is imminent whether or not life-sustaining procedures are utilized, I direct that such procedures be withheld or withdrawn, and that I be permitted to die naturally.
(b) In the absence of my ability to give directions regarding the use of such life-sustaining procedures, it is my intention that this directive shall be honored by my family and physician(s) as the final expression of my legal right to refuse medical or surgical treatment and I accept the consequences from such refusal.
(c) If I have been diagnosed as pregnant and that diagnosis is known to my physician, this directive shall have no force or effect during the course of my pregnancy.
(d) I understand the full import of this declaration and I am emotionally and mentally competent to make this directive.
________________________________________City of residence: ________________
County of residence: ______________
State of residence: _______________
Date: _____________________________The declarer has been personally known to me and I believe him or her to be of sound mind.
Witness: __________________________________________
Witness: __________________________________________Date: ______________________________
Statutory Directive to Physicians in Conformance with Washington R.C.W. 70.122.030
Review ListThis review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation. This simple Life Sustaining Declaration is valid in Washington. Check with a local hospital or doctor’s office, as well as with an experienced medical attorney, to assure yourself of its compliance with current statute (s) in your state.
1. Make multiple copies. Give one to your doctor (s), the local hospital, and have others available through your attorney and family. Remember, these kinds of documents are needed in emergency situations at worst and under stressful circumstances at best. So be sure they are available to the appropriate people easily, when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Life Sustaining Statute in Washington?
The Life Sustaining Statute in Washington is a law that allows individuals to create a statutory directive to physicians, as outlined in R.C.W. 70.122.030. This directive enables a person to declare that their dying shall not be artificially prolonged under certain circumstances. It provides a legal means to refuse life-sustaining procedures when specific conditions are met.
How do I make a directive to physicians in Washington?
To make a directive to physicians in Washington, you must complete a form that conforms to R.C.W. 70.122.030. The form requires you to state your name, date, and declare that you are of sound mind and voluntarily making your desires known. You must also specify the circumstances under which you refuse life-sustaining procedures.
What conditions must be met for a directive to physicians to take effect in Washington?
According to the statute, the directive takes effect if you have an incurable injury, disease, or illness certified as terminal by two physicians. Additionally, the application of life-sustaining procedures must serve only to artificially prolong the moment of death, and your physician must determine that death is imminent whether or not such procedures are used. Under these conditions, you can direct that life-sustaining procedures be withheld or withdrawn.
Who needs to certify a terminal condition for a living will in Washington?
In Washington, a terminal condition must be certified by two physicians for the directive to apply. This certification is required to confirm that the condition is incurable and that life-sustaining procedures would only artificially prolong the dying process. The directive specifically states that two physicians must certify the terminal condition.
Can family members override my directive to physicians in Washington?
No, the directive states that in the absence of your ability to give directions, it is your intention that the directive be honored by your family and physician(s). It is meant to be the final expression of your legal right to refuse medical or surgical treatment. Therefore, family members are expected to honor your wishes as expressed in the directive.
What is the legal basis for refusing life-sustaining treatment in Washington?
The legal basis for refusing life-sustaining treatment in Washington is R.C.W. 70.122.030, which allows individuals to make a statutory directive to physicians. This directive is a legal document that expresses your right to refuse medical or surgical treatment. By completing it, you accept the consequences of such refusal.
What should I do if I have been diagnosed as terminal in Washington?
If you have been diagnosed as terminal in Washington, you may create or update a directive to physicians under R.C.W. 70.122.030. This directive allows you to specify that life-sustaining procedures be withheld or withdrawn if two physicians certify your condition as terminal and your death is imminent. It is important to discuss your wishes with your family and physician to ensure they are honored.
Is a living will the same as a directive to physicians in Washington?
In Washington, a directive to physicians is a type of living will that conforms to the requirements of R.C.W. 70.122.030. It serves the same purpose of allowing individuals to refuse life-sustaining treatment under certain conditions. The term 'directive to physicians' is used in the statute, but it functions as a living will.
What happens if I don't have a directive to physicians in Washington?
If you do not have a directive to physicians in Washington, your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment may not be legally documented. In such cases, decisions may be left to family members or physicians, potentially without your specific directions. The statute provides a way to ensure your wishes are known and honored.
How does Washington's Life Sustaining Statute protect my wishes?
Washington's Life Sustaining Statute protects your wishes by providing a legal document that directs physicians to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining procedures under specified conditions. It ensures that your directive is honored by family and physicians as the final expression of your legal right to refuse treatment. This gives you control over your end-of-life care.
