Death with Dignity
Timeline for the 15-Day Waiting Period
To qualify you must have a terminal disease with 6 months or less to live, be over the age of 18,
be able to self-administer the life-ending medications and be a resident of Washington State.
We highly recommend you enroll in hospice and enroll with End of Life Washington
Make a clear request to use the Death with Dignity (DWD) law to an MD or DO and be sure it is recorded in your medical chart. (Referred to as the first oral request).
Identify an MD or DO who is willing to act as the Consulting Physician (CP).
After seeing both AP and CP, complete the written Request for Life-Ending Medication Form and return it to the AP. Be sure it is witnessed by two people at the time of signing. The prescription cannot be written until 48 hours after the date the form is signed.
Discuss medication options. All protocols are powder mixed in 2-4 ounces of liquid (alcohol recommended) and ingested by mouth or feeding tube.
At least 15 days after the first oral request was recorded, make a second oral request for DWD to the AP.
Our volunteers can help you find supporting physicians and be there for you and your loved ones should you decide to take life-ending medications. All our services are free.
If you would like our help , submit an online DWD Support Request Form under “Contact Us” at www.endoflifewa.org or call us at 206.256.1636,
Identify an MD or DO who is willing to act as the Attending (prescribing) Physician (AP). Start with your own physicians.
Prescriptions are held at the pharmacy for up to 6 months. Call in advance when you know the date you will ingest.
June 2019
