Washington State

Overview

Washington became the second US state to legalize physician-assisted death when voters approved Initiative 1000 in November 2008 (58% in favor). The Washington Death with Dignity Act (RCW 70.245) took effect March 5, 2009, modeled closely on Oregon's law.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a Washington State resident
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have a terminal illness expected to cause death within 6 months
• Must have decision-making capacity
• Two oral requests at least 15 days apart
• One written request signed by two witnesses
• Two physicians must confirm diagnosis, prognosis, and capacity

The Process

• Patient makes first oral request to attending physician
• Physician provides information on alternatives (palliative care, hospice)
• 15-day waiting period before second oral request
• Written request with two witnesses submitted
• Prescription issued for self-administered life-ending medication
• Participating pharmacy dispenses medication
• Washington Department of Health receives annual reports

Key Resources

• Washington State Department of Health — doh.wa.gov
• End of Life Washington — endoflifewa.org
• Death with Dignity National Center — deathwithdignity.org

Legal Contacts

• Washington State Department of Health — Death with Dignity — Official source for annual reports, the request form, and FAQ on the Washington DWDA. doh.wa.gov (search "Death with Dignity")
• End of Life Washington — The state's primary patient-advocacy organisation; provides counsellors, physician referrals, and hands-on support throughout the DWDA process. endoflifewa.org
• Compassion & Choices Washington — Additional advocacy and legal resources for Washington patients. compassionandchoices.org

Medical Contacts

• End of Life Washington — Maintains a list of willing physicians in Washington state; volunteers can also accompany patients to appointments and help complete paperwork. endoflifewa.org
• Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) — Professional body for Washington physicians; publishes guidance on DWDA participation and physician responsibilities.
• American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) — National resource for palliative care and MAID physician training and referrals. aahpm.org

Important: Contact details and eligibility requirements change. Always verify information directly with each organisation before taking any action.