Washington's Death With Dignity Act: Patient and Family Information 

If patients meet the legal requirements and choose Death With Dignity (DWD), C&C honors that decision and provides free support and guidance to patients and families through the process. However, we neither provide nor administer the means for aid in dying.

To request client support services for Washington, call 206-256-1636 or 1-877-222-2816, toll-free.

Volunteers can help patients:

    * Consider all end-of-life options.
    * Prepare advance directives.
    * Understand hospice and locate a provider.
    * Talk to your family and healthcare providers about dying.
    * Locate physicians and pharmacists supporting patient choice for DWD.

Before asking C&C for help finding a supportive physician, patients should ask their current physician(s) if they will support the choice to use the law. It is very important that this conversation occur in person. The following documents may help you to prepare for, or assist with, the conversation: 

Talking To Your Doctor About Dying»

A Letter To My Doctor»

Seven Principles for Patient-Centered Care»

Washington State Hospice and Palliative Care Association»

C&C provides information and support on Death With Dignity to patients, physicians, and other medical providers. C&C of Washington has a medical advisor who is available to answer physicians' questions about the law. C&C of Washington provides assistance with the required Department of Health forms for patients enrolled in their Client Support Program.

Additional Resources for Washington Death With Dignity

Compassion and Choices of Washington

Overview of Washington's Death With Dignity Legal and Reporting Requirements

Washington State Department of Health's Death With Dignity webpage: includes required forms and other important information

Washington State Department of Health FAQs for the Death With Dignity Act

The Washington State Psychological Association's Guidelines for Mental Health Professionals

The Oregon Death With Dignity Guidebook for Health Care Professionals (Note: This is a large PDF file, 3.47 MB). The Washington DWD law mirrors the Oregon law. Much of the information in this guidebook is pertinent.

Additional information

Living Will/Advance Directives»
Living wills/advance directives are actually a set of documents - a living will/advance directive and a medical durable power of attorney. These documents help direct your medical are if you become incapacitated.

Hospital Visitation Form»
Unmarried partners may need prior hospital visitation authorization from their partner.

Hospice Tips»
Tips for finding, approaching and using your local hospice.

Internet Resources»
A list of other organizations and web resources for common end-of-life issues.

Bookstore»
Recommended publications dealing with end-of-life issues.