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District of Columbia Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

Agent makes health care decisions when the legal incapacity determination permits; a separate declaration addresses terminal-condition treatment.

Jurisdiction
District of Columbia
Purpose
Medical & health care
Source / form version
2023 copyright packet; eleven pages
Resource format
PDF
Signing
Principal signs with two adult witnesses. At least one must be unrelated and not entitled to the principal’s estate; the appointed attorney-in-fact cannot witness.
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Sources checked: 2026-11-13. General information, not individual legal advice.

Two documents in one download

CaringInfo’s District of Columbia packet contains a durable health care power of attorney and a separate declaration, commonly called a living will. The first chooses your decision-maker; the second records treatment wishes for the circumstances it describes. Read the instructions before deciding which parts to complete.

Sources: [1] [4] [2] [3]

Explain the choices your agent may face

Name someone willing to speak for you and discuss what matters most in your care. The packet provides space for limitations and additional directions. Your appointment does not remove your own decision-making authority while you can make an informed choice, and it does not authorize management of bank accounts or other financial matters.

Sources: [1] [4] [2] [3]

Complete the witness declarations

Use two qualified adult witnesses and read both witness declarations carefully; one has additional relationship and inheritance restrictions. Do not use the named attorney-in-fact as a witness. Give the completed appointment to your agent, alternate, and health care providers, and keep it accessible. If you also complete the declaration, follow its separate signature instructions rather than assuming one signature completes both documents.

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Common questions

Is the declaration the same as the health care power of attorney?

No. The appointment names a decision-maker, while the declaration records wishes for the terminal-condition circumstances specified in it.

Sources: [2] [1]

Related forms and guides

Sources and verification

  1. CaringInfo / National Alliance for Care at Home: source and instructions (opens in a new tab)
  2. Signing and legal requirements (opens in a new tab)
  3. Authority and statutory guidance (opens in a new tab)
  4. CaringInfo / National Alliance for Care at Home: complete document (opens in a new tab)

HTTP200, 11 pages, 72 PDF fields. Packet text and witness instructions inspected; publisher is nonprofit, not DC government.

The date above records a source check. It does not certify that a form is suitable for your circumstances or that an attorney has reviewed your document. Read the publisher’s current instructions before use.