1. (1) In this section, "benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service" means any benefit, program or assistance provided under a statute or regulation including social security, medicare, and medicaid.

2. (2) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service authorizes the agent to:

   1. (a) Execute vouchers in the name of the principal for allowances and reimbursements payable by the United States or a foreign government or by a state or subdivision of a state to the principal, including allowances and reimbursements for transportation of the individuals described in RCW 11.125.350(1)(a), and for shipment of their household effects;
   2. (b) Take possession and order the removal and shipment of property of the principal from a post, warehouse, depot, dock, or other place of storage or safekeeping, either governmental or private, and execute and deliver a release, voucher, receipt, bill of lading, shipping ticket, certificate, or other instrument for that purpose;
   3. (c) Enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend, or discontinue, on the principal's behalf, a benefit or program;
   4. (d) Prepare, file, and maintain a claim of the principal for a benefit or assistance, financial or otherwise, to which the principal may be entitled under a statute or regulation;
   5. (e) Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation concerning any benefit or assistance the principal may be entitled to receive under a statute or regulation; and
   6. (f) Receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in (d) of this subsection and conserve, invest, disburse, or use for a lawful purpose anything so received.

[ 2016 c 209 s 213.]