When should an Advanced Medical Directive be used?

An Advanced Medical Directive (AMD) should be used when you are not able to make decisions about your health care for yourself. This directive is a way to convey your wishes in the event you become incapacitated and are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. This directive should be done prior to any major medical decisions such as surgery or treatments. Under Oregon disability planning law, a legally executed Advanced Medical Directive allows you to appoint an agent to make medical decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so. This document also allows you to document what medical treatments you do or do not consent to, including life-sustaining treatments and organ donation. In addition, the Advanced Medical Directive allows you to provide instructions or guidelines to your appointed agent on how you want your medical care to be managed. This provision can be very important if your family or friends disagree on the best course of action to take. It is important to remember that your Advanced Medical Directive can only be used if you are unable to make medical treatment decisions yourself. Therefore, it is important to create and execute such a document in advance, before any signs of illness or incapability. This way, your wishes will be known and followed if the medical situation arises.

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