State Laws and Legislation

Oregon Healthcare Laws

Oregon law currently permits a partner to make medical decisions for an incapacitated partner as an "adult friend" Or. Rev. Stat. § 127.635. However, adult children, parents, or adult siblings of the incapacitated partner would have priority (unless they agreed to cede authority to the partner).

A capable adult may designate in writing a competent adult to serve as attorney-in-fact or health care representative. The instruction shall be effective when it is signed and witnessed. § 127-515.

The Oregon Family Fairness Act permits same-sex couples to enter into domestic partnerships, and provides domestic partners with all the rights and benefits provided to spouses under state law. This includes the right to make medical decisions for an incapacitated partner pursuant to Or. Rev. Stat. 127.635.

Citation: Advance Directives for Health Care; Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 127.505 to 127.645

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Updated: Wed, July 02, 2008 - 12:00:16