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On March 5, 2009, the Washington Death with Dignity
Act (WDDA) became effective. The WDDA is modeled after the Oregon
Death with Dignity Act. It is codified at Chapter 70.245 RCW. In order
to receive the prescribed medication to end your life, you must be:
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an adult resident of Washington
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diagnosed as terminally ill with a life
expectancy of less than 6 months
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capable and competent to make requests for the
medication, both orally and in writing.
First, you need to make an oral request to your
attending physician.
Second, at least 15 days after making your initial
oral request, you need to reiterate your request.
Third, two physicians, your attending physician and
a consulting physician, need to concur in your prognosis and also must
verify that you are "competent, acting voluntarily, and [have] made an
informed decision." If the attending physician or consulting physician
believe that you may be suffering from "psychiatric
or psychological disorder or depression causing impaired judgment,"
they may refer you to counseling. The counselor will need to confirm
that your judgment is not impaired prior to medication being
prescribed.
Fourth, after the physicians concur, you must issue
a written request for the medication, in a form substantially
complying with the statute which must be witnessed by two people. One
person must be a person who is not:
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a relative by blood, marriage, or adoption
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a person entitled to any part of your estate by
Will or operation or law
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an owner, operator or employee of any healthcare
facility where you receive medical treatment or reside
If you are a patient in a long term care facility,
one of the witnesses must be an individual designated by facility such
as an ombudsman, chaplain, or
social worker.
The physician must wait at least 48 hours
after you sign the written request before issuing the prescription.
Your attending physician is required to recommend that you notify your
next of kin, but you are not required to do so. Your attending
physician is also required to give you an opportunity to rescind your
request.
If you have any questions regarding the WDDA,
please feel free to contact our office at
inquiry@staceyromberg.com
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