What is an advance directive?
An advance directive states the health care measures a person wants if he or she cannot indicate to continue curative or life-sustaining treatment. An advance directive can also indicate if the person wants to remove life support systems.
The person must develop the advance directive while he or she is able to clearly and definitively express himself or herself verbally, in writing, or in sign language. It must express the person's own free will about his or her health care, not the will
of anyone else. It does not affect routine care for cleanliness and comfort.
This care must be given whether or not there is an advance directive.
SHIBA does not regulate advance directives and SHIBA staff and volunteers cannot provide legal or medical advice. Please go to the Oregon Health Authority website for the form and additional information. You can also obtain the form, in English and other languages, from physician's offices or hospital.