A “living will” is also called a Directive to Physicians in Washington. A Directive to Physicians is a legally enforceable document signed by you that states you do not want your death to be artificially prolonged.

Unlike a medical power of attorney, you are not appointing someone to make these end of life decisions for you. You are expressing your intent and wishes in the Directive and asking your family, doctors, lawyers, and clergy to honor those wishes.

In Washington, you can also direct that your physicians administer drugs or narcotics to ease your pain and suffering to improve your quality of life in the event you are terminally ill and not otherwise able to make your wishes known.

Douglas N. Kiger, Attorney at Law

Blado Kiger Bolan, Tacoma, Wash.