The bill aims to enhance access to and practices surrounding portable orders for life-sustaining treatment in Washington State. It mandates the Department of Health to adopt guidelines for emergency medical personnel regarding the treatment of individuals who have expressed a desire not to receive futile emergency medical treatment. A key feature of the bill is the establishment of a statewide registry for portable orders for life-sustaining treatment forms, which will be maintained by the Department of Health. The registry will allow for the digital submission and storage of these forms, ensuring that individuals can easily access and manage their treatment preferences. Additionally, the bill provides legal protections for healthcare providers who act in good faith according to these orders.

The legislation also includes provisions for the development of a simple form to record individuals' treatment preferences and outlines the process for submitting these forms to the registry. It allows for alternative evidence of a person's treatment preferences, such as medical jewelry or electronic applications, and requires the Department of Health to report on these options by June 30, 2026. Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to include mental health advance directives and ensures that the registry's contents are exempt from public inspection under the Public Records Act. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the process for individuals to communicate their healthcare wishes and ensure that these wishes are respected by medical professionals.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.70.480, 70.122.130
Substitute Bill: 43.70.480, 70.122.130