Recent events involving the dispute about whether a woman in Florida should be kept on life supports after many years in a coma have raised public awareness about the need for written advance directives for health care. Had Terry Schiavo signed a document saying how she wanted to be treated in the event of being in a terminal condition, her family (and the courts) would have known for certain what she wanted and would have been bound to follow her wishes.

Under Washington and Oregon laws, and under the laws of nearly every other state, a doctor or hospital is obligated to follow the written statement of a person who requests to have life supports removed or maintained. For more information, see Preparing for Death or review general information at Washington Law Help (click on the “Aging/Elder law” tab and then on the “Medical issues for seniors” tab).

If you do not have an Advance Directive and you become disabled and unable to express your wishes (such as by a stroke or severe illness or accident), often the medical community will try to keep you alive as long as possible, regardless of the expense, in order to avoid being sued. Family members may also disagree about how you should be treated. An advance directive or “living will” expresses your desires and is legally binding on your doctors and your family.

You should discuss your wishes with your family members and loved ones so that they know how you want to be cared for in the event of your serious or terminal illness. You may also decide that it is important to put your wishes in writing in a legally binding document.

Peter L. Fels, P.C. can draft documents that meet your needs. Call us for a consultation or an appointment to prepare an advance directive for your health care.