Washington State Advance Directive Form: Free Downloadable 2025 Template + Complete Guide

Washington State Advance Directive Form – also called a health care directive or living will – is one of the most important estate-planning documents you can complete. As someone who has drafted and reviewed hundreds of advance directives for clients across the U.S. over the last 12 years, I can tell you that Washington’s form stands out for being clear, comprehensive, and completely free from the state itself. In this guide, I’m giving you my exact 2025-updated, attorney-vetted Washington State advance directive template that meets every requirement under RCW 70.122 (the Washington Natural Death Act) and the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care statute.

Download the free Word/PDF template at the end of this article and have it ready in under 15 minutes.

What Is a Washington State Advance Directive?

A Washington State advance directive is a single legal document that combines two powerful tools:

• Living Will (Directive to Physicians) – Your written instructions about life-sustaining treatment if you are terminally ill or in a permanent vegetative state.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care – Appointing a trusted person (your health care agent) to make medical decisions when you cannot speak for yourself.

Washington is one of the few states that provides an official statutory form in RCW 70.122.910. Using the exact language from the statute gives your document the strongest possible legal protection.

Why You Need an Advance Directive in Washington State Right Now

From my experience helping families in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and rural counties, the cases that hurt the most are when there is no directive. Hospitals default to full treatment, families fight, and patients sometimes receive care they never wanted. Having a properly executed Washington advance directive prevents:

• Prolonged suffering on ventilators or feeding tubes
• Family disagreements that end up in court
• Doctors guessing what you would have wanted

According to the Washington State Department of Health, only about 30-35% of adults in our state have completed any form of advance directive – far below Oregon (over 50%). Let’s change that today.

Key Features of the Official Washington Advance Directive Form

Feature	Washington Law Requirement	Included in My Template?
Mental Health Directive (optional)	RCW 71.32	Yes – separate section
Organ donation election	RCW 68.64	Yes – integrated
POLST cross-reference	Recommended by WA DOH	Yes
Two witnesses OR notary	RCW 70.122.030	Both options provided
HIPAA release language	Federal requirement	Yes – built in

Step-by-Step Instructions to Complete Your Washington Advance Directive

Here’s exactly how I walk my own clients through it:

1. Download the template (link at bottom).
2. Part 1 – Durable Power of Attorney: Name your primary agent and at least one alternate. I always recommend someone who lives in Washington or nearby.
3. Part 2 – Health Care Directive (Living Will): Check the boxes that match your values. Option 1 = withhold/withdraw treatment if terminal or PVS. Option 2 = always prolong life (rarely chosen).
4. Part 3 – Mental Health (Optional): Washington uniquely allows instructions for psychiatric care.
5. Part 4 – Signatures: Date and sign in front of two qualified witnesses OR a notary. Witnesses cannot be your agent, your doctor, or employees of your health facility.
6. Distribute copies: Give to your agent, alternate, primary doctor, and hospital. I also upload mine to MyChart.

Who Can Be Your Health Care Agent in Washington?

Almost any adult (18+) except:

• Your treating health care provider
• Employees of your health care facility (unless related by blood/marriage)
• The operator/employee of a community care facility where you live

I always advise naming at least two alternates in case your first choice is unavailable.

Washington State Advance Directive Form vs. Five Wishes vs. Other Templates

In my practice, I’ve seen every version. Here’s the breakdown:

• Official WA Statutory Form (what I give you) – 100% guaranteed to be accepted statewide
• Five Wishes – Popular but technically does NOT meet Washington’s witnessing requirements alone
• Online generic forms – Often missing the mental health section or proper HIPAA language

Stick with the statutory language – it’s battle-tested.

Free Download: 2025 Washington State Advance Directive Template

Click here to download the free Microsoft Word version
Click here to download the fillable PDF version

Both files are attorney-drafted, updated for 2025 laws, and include:

• Exact statutory language from RCW 70.122.910
• Integrated mental health directive (RCW 71.32)
• Organ donation and POLST sections
• Witness/notary pages with instructions
• HIPAA authorization

Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Directives in Washington State

Do I need an attorney to complete this?

No. Washington’s form is designed for self-completion. I provide it free because everyone should have one.

Is this different from a POLST form?

Yes. Advance directives are for everyone 18+. POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is for seriously ill patients and must be signed by a doctor or ARNP.

Can I change my mind later?

Absolutely. Destroy old copies and complete a new one anytime. No filing with the state required.

Will hospitals honor an electronic copy?

Most major systems (UW Medicine, Providence, MultiCare, PeaceHealth) now accept scanned/electronic versions, but always carry a physical copy too.

What if I spend time in Oregon or Idaho?

Washington’s form is honored in Oregon under reciprocity. Idaho usually honors it but I recommend a separate Idaho directive if you split time.

Final Thoughts from a Washington Estate Planning Professional

In my decade-plus of practice, I’ve never had a properly completed Washington statutory advance directive challenged. It just works. Take 15 minutes today, download the template, talk to your loved ones, and sign it. You’ll sleep better knowing your wishes are clear and legally binding.

Important Disclaimer: This Washington State advance directive template and article are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a qualified Washington attorney or estate planning professional to ensure your documents meet your specific needs. Sources: Washington Revised Code Title 70.122 (Natural Death Act), RCW 71.32 (Mental Health Advance Directives), Washington State Department of Health Advance Care Planning Guide, IRS.gov (for general estate document references).

You now have everything you need. Download your free Washington State advance directive form and take control of your future health care today.