Legal Considerations for Critically Ill and Dying Patients Who Lack Surrogate Decision Makers | HMC Ethics April Forum

Please join us on Wednesday, April 9th with an expert-led panel discussion.

This presentation will discuss the legal framework that guides processes for ensuring that a patient’s interests are represented when determining whether to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Review Washington’s legal requirements for withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment.
2. Recognize when a guardianship appointment or court authorization is necessary for withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment.

SPEAKERS:

Dionne Williams, MSW, LICSW, ACM-SW HMC Social Work Supervisor Care Management

I started working at Harborview in 1999 as an undergrad, helping patients apply for Social Security disability. After graduating with my MSW I accepted a job in social work where I've remained since, transitioning to a supervisor role about 5 years ago.

John Gibson, JD Assistant Director Clinical Risk Management | UW Medicine

John Gibson serves UW Medicine as Assistant Director for Clinical Risk Management. He works with faculty and staff at all UW Medicine sites of practice with a focus on Harborview Medical Center and Seattle Children’s Hospital. John joined UW Medicine in March 2020 after 24 years as a trial lawyer and is a proud University of Washington alumnus.

Michelle Nelson, JD, LLM Assistant Attorney General | UW Division WA State Office of the Attorney General

Michelle Nelson is an Assistant Attorney General who provides legal support to UW Medicine, with an emphasis on Harborview. Prior to representing UW Medicine, Michelle represented Western State Hospital in ITA civil commitment proceedings and represented the Health Care Authority, including the Medicaid program and the PEBB/SEBB insurance programs. Michelle holds a J.D. and LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center and has worked on behalf of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition, Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms, The O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Whitman-Walker Health, and the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit.

Amy Spitzer, JD Special Assistant Attorney General Brothers, Henderson, Durkin PS

Amy is an attorney at Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S. Her practice is dedicated to helping hospital systems with issues related to guardianship, surrogate decision-making, patient capacity, and difficult placement issues.

Mackenzie Wieburg, JD Associate Attorney Brothers, Henderson, Durkin PS

Mackenzie Wieburg’s practice focuses on elder law and the representation of hospitals in the initiation of adult guardianships/conservatorships for their patients. This includes working with various entities such as the WA State Department of Social Health Services, Home and Community Services, Office of Public Guardianship, and various certified professional guardians. She was admitted to practice in the State of Washington in 2021.