A Washington D.C. advance directive allows a person to select someone else to make health care decisions on their behalf and write end-of-life decisions. The person selected, called an agent, will be able to make medical decisions on behalf of a patient and in accordance with their wishes. The agent may only have such powers if the patient is incapacitated. An advance directive combines a medical power of attorney and living will into a single document. The form is required to be signed in the presence of two (2) witnesses for it to become in effect.

Signing Requirements (§ 7-622(a)(4) and § 21–2205(c)) – Two (2) Witnesses.

Two (2) Parts

An Advance Directive is in two (2) parts:

Part 1 – Medical Power of Attorney

Part 2 – Living Will Declaration