This is another type of Advance Directive in Washington State. You can also write what type of health care decisions you want made for you and what the decisions should be. An accident or illness could make you temporarily unable to understand or talk about your medical treatment choices. Sometimes illness causes permanent loss of mental capacity and may limit your ability to understand the risks and benefits of suggested medical treatment.
Mental illness can cause temporary loss of capacity.
You should think carefully about what is important to you. Talking with a close friend, family member, clergy, or your doctor may help you think through your future health care decisions. You should decide what type of health care is important. You should think about what you would want and what you wouldn't want if medical treatment, surgery or medication is proposed. You should decide when the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care can be used.