Durable Powers of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is a legal document naming an individual or  group as responsible for your health care decision. The document is strongly recommended in addition to your Living Will (advanced directive) to insure that your wishes concerning future health care are reflected.

Eagle Law Offices, P.S. advises that every person, 18 years and older, prepare both a Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. The Power of Attorney will allow for more flexibility with regard to medical treatment decisions, than a Living Will. This flexibility is crucial if there are unexpected changes in your condition; the Power of Attorney allows your agent (person with power) to base medical decisions on more than just your written wishes. It is essential that you choose an agent that fully understands your wishes and that you discuss those wishes.

Once you have completed the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, copies will be distributed to:

• Agents
• Doctors
• Hospital

Remember:

1. Discuss, honestly and openly, your healthcare wishes with your appointed agent(s), physicians, attorney(s), clergy, family and friends.
2. Discuss your wishes often, especially if your health condition changes.
3. If your wishes should change, destroy the old documents and complete new. Codicils to Living Wills or Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care may not be recognized.
4. Have all documents notarized in case of travel. Although this is not necessary in Washington State, some states do require the documents be notarized.
5. Should you decide to revoke one or both of your Washington State directives, be certain to inform all concerned parties (clergy, doctors, family, agents, attorney, etc)
6. Do not store your copies of health directives in a safety deposit box – they will serve no purpose, and access may be restricted.