[WSBAPT] Medical Advanced Directive

[Lisa E Schuchman]

Brent,

My opinion is that a power of attorney is a lot more important and broadly useful than a directive.  I understand that some people don’t have a POA for various reasons.  I give clients materials that help them figure out what they do or don’t want and guidance for discussing with their AIFs.  Also, if someone has Alzheimer’s or another medical situation, they should consider a POLST.

Lisa E. Schuchman
206-960-4212
www.lisaschuchman.com<http://www.lisaschuchman.com/>

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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com [mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com] On Behalf Of Brent Williams-Ruth
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2017 8:39 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Medical Advanced Directive

List -

Last night a social gathering of lawyers and doctors took place - and inevitably the conversation went to a shared topic of Medical Advanced Directives.  The result was a stalemate regarding how much/many choices should be put into the Directive and whether it is best served by a simplified document.

One specific debate related to language that is found in the SCCA (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance) directive where they set forth instruction to cease treatment without further intervention EXCEPT as stated below - and the below you are supposed to initial which ailments - such as Alzheimer's.

The debate focused on whether their inclusion of the word EXCEPT would indicate that you WOULD stop treatment, but if you affirmatively selected the Alzheimer's line that would indicate that you WOULD NOT stop treatment in that situation.

Curious to know what others have done in terms of these documents. Are these directives that are trying to think of every situation possible really just creating an ambiguity which is what they are designed to prevent?

Appreciate thoughts and input.

Brent

--

Brent Williams-Ruth
Founding Member

BWR Consulting, PLLC

Phone: (425) 830-5134

e-mail<mailto:brent at bwrconsults.com> / website<http://www.bwrconsults.com> / facebook<http://www.facebook.com/bwrconsults>
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