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Advance Directive

advance directive, what is an advance directive

What is Advance Care Planning or ACP?

ACP is a process that includes real life conversations that reflect on, discuss and plan for a time when you may not be able to make your own medical decisions. ACP helps you understand possible health care choices, think about these choices in light of the values and goals important to you, discuss your choices with your loved ones and health care providers and record your wishes in a document known as an Advance Directive or Living Will.

Who needs ACP?

Advance Care Planning is recommended for all adults over the age of 18, no matter their current state of health.

What is an Advance Directive or Living Will?

An Advance Directive is a written plan and legal document that provides instructions for health care treatments based upon your values and what is important to you. It only goes into effect if you are unable to speak for yourself and meet certain medical conditions. A key part of an Advance Directive asks you to name a Health Care Agent or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.

What is a Health Care Agent or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare?

A Health Care Agent is someone you choose to authorize to make health care decisions on your behalf if you cannot communicate for yourself. Having conversations and sharing your healthcare preferences with your Agent is essential.

When does an Advance Directive get used? 

They only go into effect if you are close to death. Imagine this scenario: A life threatening event has left you unable to communicate with those around you or to participate in your daily care, treatment planning or decision making. Even though all care and available treatments are being provided, your doctors have determined that your illness or injury cannot be cured and death is likely, or your brain function will not return. You are unable to participate in life and are not aware of your surroundings.

What type of medical decisions might have to be made?

Decisions might be about providing artificial nutrition and hydration, ventilator or breathing support, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR, surgeries, intravenous fluids, blood products and/or dialysis. Care needed to treat pain and comfort are always provided and food and fluids by mouth are always given as tolerated.

What if I don't have an Advance Directive or name a Health Care Agent?

If you do not name a Healthcare Agent, state laws may direct who will speak for you and it might be someone who doesn't know you well or know what your values and preferences for medical care would be. If you became seriously ill, those close to you might need to make medical decisions for you. If they don't know what you would want, there could be distress and burden on those you love.

Can a Health Care Agent make financial decisions for me?

No, health care agents or durable power of attorneys for Healthcare cannot make financial decisions for you. In addition, your financial power of attorney cannot make medical decisions for you.

Important Forms and Links

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Oregon Health Authority

A Durable Financial Power of Attorney is a document that lets you appoint someone (known as your “agent”) to manage your finances for you if you ever become unable to do so for yourself. The name is made up of three parts: First, the authority you grant to your agent is called the “power of attorney.” Second, a “financial” power of attorney is one that grants authority over financial matters; it is different from a “healthcare” power of attorney, for example, which grants authority to make medical decisions. Finally, a “durable” power of attorney is one that remains in effect even after its creator becomes physically or mentally incapacitated.

Where can I find Advance Directive forms for other states?

Caringinfo.org includes information and forms for all states, including Oregon

Are there differences between Idaho and Oregon forms?

Yes! In Idaho, the form only needs to be signed by you. It does not require witnesses or notary. In Oregon, AD forms must be witnessed by 2 others and the witnesses cannot be named as your Health Care Agents. In addition, Oregon law requires your Health Care Agent to sign and accept the role of Agent.

For more information, view our Oregon specific policies.

What should I do after I complete my form?

Make sure you share a copy with your family, your Health Care Agent and your medical provider. A copy of your AD should be kept at home with other important paperwork--NOT be put in a safety deposit box or hidden where it cannot be found. If you are going into the hospital, bring a copy with you.

Idaho Directive Health Care Registry

What is a POST form?

A POST form is a further extension of your preferences for medical care that can be respected across all health care settings including by emergency responders. It is a document recommended for people with a severe, chronic or terminal condition and must be signed by you or your surrogate and by your health care provider. It does not allow you to choose a health care agent.

What is the difference between a POST form and an Advance Directive?

A POST form is something you fill out in order to have your wishes followed immediately whereas an advanced directive is for the future. If a patient is planning to come to a hospital to seek treatment, a POST form wouldn't be needed because the provider and the hospital are going to do everything possible and provide aggressive treatment.

Is there someone I can call locally for more information?

Yes! The chaplains at Saint Alphonsus can answer most questions about Advance Directives. You can reach them by calling the main hospital switchboards at:

Is there another good resource of information?

Yes, we offer two podcasts that offer a wealth of information that you would find useful.