End of Life
Advance Directives and Other End-of-Life Documents
Peace of mind about end-of-life preferences
Most people have clear ideas of their end-of-life preferences, but few share these with family and physicians. Advance care planning documents are designed to preserve a patient's final wishes. For example, a Health Care Directive (also known as a living will) gives you the power to record your most important medical decisions in case you are unable to communicate them later. People of all ages should have a living will. Other end of life documents, including a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment form (POLST), and Mental Health Directives, are also available in Washington state.
The WSMA offers information on the following end-of-life documents:
The DSHS website has information on Mental Health Advance Directives.
Washington State Online Living Will Registry
In May, 2011 the Department of Health notified physicians and patients participating in the Washington State Living Will Registry (LWR) that, as a result of cuts in the 2011-13 state biennial budget, on July 1st the Registry will be effectively ended (no new documents will be accepted after June 20, 2011).
The good news is that individuals who have registered with the LWR will maintain a lifetime registration with the U.S. Living Will Registry, a private corporation. Registrants do not have to resubmit documents they previously submitted.
If you are a physician or patient participating in the Living Will Reigstry, click here to find out more.
Hospice Care
Information about hospice care
Washington State Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (WSHPCO)
WSHPCO is an organization of hospice and palliative care providers dedicated to promoting and maintaining quality, compassionate care for those facing life-threatening illnesses.
Hospice Foundation of America
This is a very comprehensive site that provides information about what hospice care is and how to locate and select a hospice and/or support groups.
Providence Hospice of Seattle
Established in 1975, Hospice of Seattle was the first Hospice in the Northwest. The trained and dedicated staff and volunteers provide care for terminally ill children and adults in King and South Snohomish counties.
Community Involvement
The Washington End of Life Consensus Coalition
The WSMA formed the Washington End of Life Consensus Coalition (WEOLCC) in 1997, a broad-based cross-section of individuals and organizations across the state interested in bettering end of life care.
Find out more about the WEOLCC here.
To join the Washington End of Life Consensus Coalition, just contact Coalition staff member Graham Short at (206) 956-3633 and ask to join.
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