Hospital highlights

The term “advance directive” refers to your oral and written instructions about your future medical care in the event you are unable to express your medical wishes. There are two types of advance directives: a health care directive and a durable power of attorney for health care.

A health care directive, commonly referred to as a “living will,” is a legal document specifying your wishes regarding the care you receive at the end of life should you be unable to communicate them. In Washington state, the directive is used only if you have a terminal condition where life-sustaining treatment would...