Advanced Directive/Living Will/Health Care Directive
In Washington State, the terms Living Will and Advance Directive are closely related but not entirely interchangeable. Typically, they are called Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, Living Will, Advance Directive and Health Care Directive, which usually is referring to an Advance Directive. Here's a breakdown to help clarify their differences, benefits, and limitations:
🧾 Key Differences
| Feature | Living Will | Advance Directive |
| Definition | A type of Advance Directive that outlines specific medical treatments you want or don’t want if you're terminally ill or permanently unconscious. | A broader legal document that includes a Living Will and may also designate a healthcare agent via a Durable Power of Attorney. |
| Scope | Focuses on end-of-life care and specific medical interventions. | Covers a wider range of scenarios, including naming someone to make decisions on your behalf. |
| Activation | Becomes effective when a physician confirms terminal illness or two physicians confirm permanent unconsciousness. | Can be activated under various conditions depending on the document’s terms. |
| Legal Name in WA | Often referred to as a “Health Care Directive” under the Natural Death Act. | May include both a Health Care Directive and a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. |
âś… Benefits
Living Will:
- Clearly states your wishes for life-sustaining treatments (e.g., CPR, ventilation, feeding tubes).
- Helps reduce family stress and conflict during critical moments.
- Legally recognized in Washington if properly signed and witnessed.
Advance Directive:
- More comprehensive—can include both treatment preferences and a designated decision-maker.
- Allows for flexibility in unforeseen medical situations.
- Can include dementia provisions and non-terminal conditions (especially in formats like “Five Wishes”).
Limitations
Living Will:
- Only applies in very specific situations (terminal or permanently unconscious).
- Doesn’t name a healthcare agent—requires a separate Durable Power of Attorney.
- May be too vague or outdated depending on the template used.
Advance Directive:
- Can be lengthy and complex depending on the version (e.g., “Five Wishes” is 8 pages).
- Some versions may include language that conflicts with personal values (e.g., religious directives or anti-choice statements).
- Must be kept updated and shared with relevant parties (doctors, family, etc.).
Let us help you maneuver through the medical lingo so you can have a document that protects you whether in a coma or terminal. Our document can help ease the worries, smooth out difficulties, stop family fights and ease family tensions with directions directly from you. It’s your life, your directive, let us Protect What Matters . . .Your Wishes, written down and cemented into law.
PROTECT WHAT MATTERS . . .
