An Oregon Advance Directive records healthcare preferences and identifies a representative who can participate in decisions when the document and Oregon law authorize that role.
What an Oregon Advance Directive covers.
Oregon law provides an Advance Directive form that allows a person to appoint a healthcare representative and record preferences concerning care, including life-sustaining treatment, artificial nutrition and hydration, and comfort-focused care. The document should be completed and executed under current Oregon requirements.
Naming a healthcare representative.
A healthcare representative may make healthcare decisions when authorized under the directive and Oregon law. Choose someone who understands your values, is willing to serve, can communicate with clinicians and family, and can act thoughtfully under pressure. Naming alternates is also advisable.
Specific decisions to think through.
- Life-sustaining treatment. Under what conditions, if any, would you want CPR, ventilation, or other interventions?
- Tube feeding & hydration. Your wishes around artificial nutrition and hydration.
- Comfort care. Your priorities around pain management and quality of life.
- Organ donation. Whether you wish to be an anatomical donor.
- Specific instructions. Anything else your representative should know.
What it does not cover.
An Advance Directive covers medical decisions only. Your financial affairs are governed by a separate document, the durable financial Power of Attorney. Together with your Will or trust, those three documents form the foundation of a complete plan.
Oregon's Advance Directive form is widely recognized, and reviewing it periodically helps keep it current.
Review the directive periodically and after a major health, family, representative, or legal change. There is no single review interval required for everyone; the goal is to keep the document and conversations current.
If you would like to understand how these general principles may apply to your circumstances, schedule a consultation. The meeting provides an opportunity to discuss your goals and receive a written scope and fee for any proposed legal work.