It goes into effect when and only when you do not have the capacity to make or to communicate decisions for yourself. The Oregon Advance Directive is a legal document that combines the purposes of the living will and the medical power of attorney. It also allows you to give specific instructions to guide your health care representative and your health care providers. You may make use of both or either of these options. Copies of the Oregon Advance Directive can also be downloaded at the Choice in Dying website.
State laws regarding advance directives vary.
For more information on advance directives, including state-specific documents, go to the Choice in Dying website. It is intended to help health care professionals in honoring your wishes for life-sustaining treatment. It is not an advance directive, but rather can be used as a complement to it, especially for those with life-threatening illness. Advance directives, on the other hand, are useful for all adults and address health events that may happen in the future, even decades from now. In the event that your heart stops beating, a DNR order would let medical staff know that you do not want them to try to revive you.