(1) The
definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section
unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Advance health care directive" means a power of
attorney for health care or a "directive" as defined in RCW 70.122.020.
(b) "Declaration" means a record signed by a prospective
donor specifying the circumstances under which a life support
system may be withheld or withdrawn from the prospective donor.
(c) "Health care decision" means any decision made regarding
the health care of the prospective donor.
(2) If a prospective donor has a declaration or advance
health care directive, and the terms of the declaration or
directive and the express or implied terms of a potential
anatomical gift are in conflict with regard to the administration
of measures necessary to ensure the medical suitability of a part
for transplantation or therapy, the prospective donor's attending
physician and the prospective donor shall confer to resolve the
conflict. If the prospective donor is incapable of resolving the
conflict, an agent acting under the prospective donor's
declaration or directive, or, if none or the agent is not
reasonably available, another person authorized by law other than
this chapter to make health care decisions on behalf of the
prospective donor, shall act for the donor to resolve the
conflict. The conflict must be resolved as expeditiously as
possible. Information relevant to the resolution of the conflict
may be obtained from the appropriate procurement organization and
any other person authorized to make an anatomical gift for the
prospective donor under RCW 68.64.080. Before resolution of the
conflict, measures necessary to ensure the medical suitability of
the part may not be withheld or withdrawn from the prospective
donor if withholding or withdrawing the measures is not
contraindicated by appropriate end-of-life care.
[2008 c 139 § 20.]