How Health Care Directives (or Advance Directives) Work in Washington and Oregon: What Families Need to Know
When families come to us in times of crisis, one of the first questions we often hear is: “Who has the right to make decisions for my loved one?”
Too often, the answer isn’t clear—because no health care directive or advance directive was ever put in place. Without this crucial document, families can be left scrambling, arguing, or even forced into court just to make medical decisions.
A health care directive is more than a form. It’s your voice in moments when you may not be able to speak for yourself.
What Is a Health Care Directive?
A Health Care Directive (what we have in Washington)—sometimes called a living will or Advance Directive (what we have in Oregon)—is a legal document that outlines your wishes about medical care if you are unable to communicate. It often works hand-in-hand with a Health Care Power of Attorney, which appoints someone you trust to carry out those wishes.
In Washington and Oregon, health care directives typically address:
- Life-sustaining treatments (such as feeding tubes or ventilators)
- Pain management and comfort measures
- End-of-life preferences
- Organ donation choices
Why It Matters
Without a health care directive or advance directive, your family may be left guessing—or worse, divided—about what you would have wanted. We’ve seen heartbreaking cases where adult children disagreed about care decisions, or where medical providers were legally required to continue treatments that the patient would not have chosen.
A health care directive:
- Removes uncertainty for your loved ones
- Ensures your values guide your care
- Prevents costly court battles over guardianship or medical authority
How It Works in Practice
Imagine this: you are hospitalized after a serious accident and cannot communicate. Without a health care directive, doctors turn to your family. If your spouse, children, or siblings disagree, the hospital may require a court order before proceeding. This creates delay, conflict, and unnecessary pain.
With a health care directive or advance directive and health care power of attorney in place, there’s no question. Your trusted decision-maker can step in immediately, with your clearly written wishes to guide them.
Taking the First Step
Completing a health care directive or advance directive is often simpler than people think—but it is also deeply personal. At Pettis Webber Pacific, we walk you through the options in both Washington and Oregon, ensuring your directive is legally valid, thorough, and tailored to your values.
Don’t wait until a crisis. The best time to make these decisions is while you’re healthy and able to express your wishes.
Click here to schedule a consultation and put your health care directive or advance directive in place.
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