As an estate planning attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives for Washington state residents over the past decade, I know how important it is to have a valid, state-specific living will (also called a Health Care Directive in Washington). A properly executed living will ensures your end-of-life medical wishes are honored when you can no longer speak for yourself. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you everything you need—including a free living will form Washington State residents can download and use immediately—while explaining the exact legal requirements under RCW 70.122 (Washington’s Natural Death Act).
Important Disclaimer: The template and information below are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your personal situation may require customization. Always consult a licensed Washington attorney or qualified professional before finalizing any estate planning document.
In Washington, the document most people refer to as a “living will” is officially titled a Directive to Physicians or, more commonly today, part of the combined Health Care Directive (RCW 70.122.030). It allows you to state whether you want life-sustaining treatment withheld or withdrawn if you have a terminal condition or are in a permanent unconscious state.
Washington is one of the few states that still recognizes the older stand-alone “Directive to Physicians” form, but the majority of residents now use the broader Washington State Health Care Directive that combines both the living will and durable power of attorney for health care in one document.
Click here to download your free Washington State living will form (PDF) – Updated for 2025 and compliant with RCW 70.122 and the Washington Health Care Directives Act.
This template includes:
To be legally valid in Washington, your living will must meet these strict requirements (RCW 70.122.030):
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Signed by Declarant | You must sign and date the document |
| Age & Capacity | You must be 18+ and of sound mind |
| Witnesses OR Notary | Two qualified witnesses OR notarization (you can use either, not both required) |
| Qualified Witnesses | Cannot be your doctor, employee of your health facility, or the person you named as agent |
| Terminal Condition or Persistent Vegetative State | The directive only activates under these two conditions as certified by two physicians |
Source: Washington RCW 70.122.030 and Washington State Department of Health
In my practice, I see the same errors repeatedly:
Many people confuse a living will with a POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment). Here’s the difference:
| Feature | Living Will / Health Care Directive | POLST |
|---|---|---|
| Who completes | Any competent adult | Seriously ill patients only |
| Format | Patient-signed directive | Bright colored medical order signed by physician/ARNP |
| Portability | Must be retrieved | Travels with patient (EMS honors it) |
A POLST does NOT replace a living will – you should have both if you have a serious illness.
No. Washington’s statutory forms are designed for self-completion. However, an attorney is recommended if you have a blended family, significant assets, or complex medical preferences.
No, but Washington combines both in one document. The living will covers only terminal/permanent unconscious scenarios; the agent has authority in all other situations.
The Washington State Medical Association and Department of Health provide free forms: WSMA Advance Directives
No expiration date, but review it every 3–5 years or after major life changes.
After helping hundreds of families through end-of-life situations, I can tell you with certainty: having a properly executed Washington State living will form removes enormous burden from your loved ones. It gives them the gift of knowing they are honoring your exact wishes rather than guessing during the worst moment of their lives.
Download your free living will form Washington State template today, complete it this week, and sleep better knowing your voice will be heard—even when you can’t speak.
Download Free 2025 Washington State Living Will Form (PDF)
Remember: This is not legal advice. Schedule a consultation with a qualified Washington attorney to review your specific circumstances.
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