Washington law gives a limited Power of Attorney by statute to certain family members. The best practice is for each of us over the age of 18 to write a Medical Power of Attorney and name the person we want to make medical decisions for us when we are incapacitated. We can name one or more persons and we can also name back-up persons. This is especially important if you do not think your next of kin would be the best person to discuss your medical care with your health care providers.
