Have you done your advanced care planning?

Advanced Care Planning (ACP) allows you to choose who you would like to represent you, and for your care team to better know your preferences for care. There are a few different types of documents for ACP, and they each do different things. Three of the most common are listed below. Forms can be obtained from the clinic, online, or from an attorney. The forms will need to be witnessed by others than family or your care team, or notarized to take effect.

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (English, Español)

DPAHC is a legal form that allows you to dictate who you would like to make decisions for you, if you are ever in a position where you cannot make the decision yourself. The person you choose would be known as your health care agent. Click here for more information.

Advanced Directives (English, Español)

Also known as a living will, this is a another legal form that lists your wishes for care and treatment. This form should be shared with your health care agent(s), supports, and your care team. This differs from the POLST form, because an advanced directive is for all patients with specific wishes for care.

Note: Advanced Directives and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare are usually completed together – click here for a joint document.

POLST Form (English, Español)

The POLST form is a “portable medical order” that helps healthcare providers in different locations to know the healthcare wishes of a patient. Designed for seriously ill individuals, POLST specifies the types of medical treatment that a patient wishes to receive toward the end of life. The POLST form must be filled out and signed by a member of your healthcare team. Click here for more information.

End of Life Washington has also created a joint Durable Power of Attorney/Advanced Directive, available here. For additional information you can sign up for an educational presentation by End of Life Washington, go to the POLST website, or connect with a NWMS social worker.