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National Health Information Week
by Delaine Humphreys, Family Resource Center

As part of the celebration of National Health Information (Medical Records) Week, November 2-8, and as part of its "Partners in Care" philosophy, the Medical Records department of Lower Umpqua Hospital would like to encourage you to file your advance directives for health care with the hospital now--before sickness or injury.

Says J. J. DeLeo, Medical Records manager, "This year's theme of National Health Information Week is 'Managing the Records of Life.' What could be more important than your decision of how to manage your own health care? We would like to help you gather the information you need to make decisions about your care before you need it. This way, you can make an informed, thoughtful decision when you are not under any pressure."

DeLeo goes on to explain that people have the right to control their healthcare options, such as exercising the right to choose in advance whether or not to accept life-sustaining treatments. She also reminds people that information about this choice is available at Lower Umpqua Hospital in the main registration area. Ask for the booklet "Making Health Care Decisions [When You Can't Speak for Yourself] - A Summary of Oregon's Advance Directive Law." These booklets can also be ordered from Oregon Health Decisions, a private non-profit corporation by calling 800-422-4805 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Those interested can also talk with their physician or consult an attorney.

Some may wonder exactly what an advanced directive is. An advanced directive is an important legal document that controls critical decisions about one's health care. Before signing an advanced directive, however, consider these important facts:

People have the right to name a person to direct their health care when they cannot do so. This person is called a health care representative. An individual can restrict how this representative will make decisions. A person also has the right to give instructions for health care providers to follow if he/she becomes unable to direct his/her care. This document can also be revoked at any time. Despite this document, an individual has the right to make health care decisions as long as he/she is able to do so.

These decisions should also be discussed with family members so that they can understand and follow one's specific wishes. By sharing these wishes and values, a person can guide his/her future health care while lifting the burden of making those decisions from family members.
If you have appointed a health care representative already, then that representative should read your advanced directive and discuss your wishes with you. The representative must also sign the advanced directive.

Copies of an advanced directive should be on file at Lower Umpqua Hospital for use if you are admitted there. Send a copy of this document to the Medical Records Department, Lower Umpqua Hospital, 600 Ranch Road, Reedsport, OR 97467, or leave it by the registration desk.

If you have any questions about advanced directives, please contact J. J. DeLeo at the hospital, 271-2171, ext. 278.

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