If you meet the legal requirements and choose to use the Death with Dignity Act (DWDA), we honor that decision and provide support and guidance to you and your family through the process. However, we neither provide nor administer life-ending medication. Furthermore, people with dementia are unable to qualify for the Death with Dignity Act because by the time they are eligible to receive a terminal diagnosis with a six-month prognosis, they are no longer deemed mentally competent. There are never any fees for any service End of Life Washington provides.
Our Client Support Services can help patients:
- Consider all end-of-life options.
- Prepare advance directives.
- Understand hospice and locate a provider.
- Talk to your family and health care providers about dying and Death with Dignity.
- Locate physicians and pharmacists who support a patient’s choice to use the law.
An experienced Volunteer Client Advisor can be present with you if you choose to take the Death with Dignity medication.
Before asking End of Life Washington for help finding a supportive physician, you should ask the physician(s) you are currently working with if they will support your choice to use the law. It is very important that this conversation occur in person.
*If you would like to receive our services, please call us at 206.256.1636 or fill out the support request form here.
Note: End of Life Washington does not provide or administer life-ending medication. We offer information, support, and, if requested, personal presence at the death of a qualified client.
The following documents include additional information and may help you prepare for conversations with family and medical providers.
Death with Dignity Checklist
This checklist provides an overview of the steps involved in obtaining a prescription for life-ending medication under the Washington State Death with Dignity law. It also outlines the law’s qualification criteria and lists current life-ending medication prescription options. An overview of End of Life Washington’s client support services is also provided.
An Overview of the Washington Death with Dignity Act
Eligibility and procedures for requesting life-ending medication.
Death with Dignity Act Frequently Asked Questions
A list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Death with Dignity Act by the Washington Department of Health
Death with Dignity Act Residency Requirements
Residency requirements for the Washington Death with Dignity Act (10.15)
Talking.To_.Your_.Doctor.About_.DWD_.8.2016
Don’t wait until it is too late to have this important conversation with your physician.
Talking to Your Family About Dying
If you want to ensure that your own death is peaceful, you must talk to your family and other loved ones. This document explains how to have these conversations as well as help prepare them for your death.
Letter to My Physician
This letter can be used to help facilitate a conversation with your physician about aid in dying and end-of-life choices.
Written-Request-Form-and-Instructions-1.2018
Complete this form after you have seen both the Attending (prescribing) and Consulting Physicians. This form must be signed by two qualified witnesses. One witness can be a family member; one can be an employee of your doctor; or both witnesses can be bystanders. When the form is completed, give it to your Attending (prescribing) Physician.
Language Matters
This document explains why the term, “physician-assisted suicide” is inaccurate when talking about the Death with Dignity Act. The correct term to use is “aid in dying”.
