Oregon Authority to Pay Medical Bills, also known as the Authority to Pay (ATP), is a legal document that grants an individual or entity the power to manage and pay medical bills on behalf of another person. This authority is typically granted in situations where a person is unable to make their own healthcare decisions due to incapacity, such as being in a coma or suffering from severe cognitive impairment. The Oregon ATP is governed by the Oregon Advance Directive laws, which aim to protect the rights and interests of individuals who are unable to make medical decisions for themselves. It allows a designated agent, typically a close family member or trusted friend, to act as a representative for the incapacitated person and make decisions regarding their medical treatment and payment of medical bills. To establish an Oregon ATP, specific legal requirements must be met. The incapacitated individual must have a validly executed Oregon Advance Directive, which includes a healthcare power of attorney or appointment of a healthcare representative. This document must clearly state the authority granted to manage and pay medical bills. The Oregon ATP typically comes into effect when a healthcare provider or medical institution requests payment for services provided to the incapacitated person. Once the ATP is presented, the healthcare provider(s) can bill the designated agent directly for the medical expenses incurred. This authority ensures that medical bills are managed promptly and correctly, reducing potential financial difficulties for both the incapacitated person and their family. It is important to note that the Oregon ATP specifically authorizes the designated agent to pay medical bills on behalf of the incapacitated person; it does not grant them the power to make medical decisions. Those decisions are typically controlled by the healthcare power of attorney or other medical directives established in the Advance Directive. In addition to the general Oregon Authority to Pay Medical Bills, there are other specific types of ATP's that may be relevant in certain situations. Some examples include: 1. ATP for Minors: This type of ATP grants a designated agent the authority to pay medical bills for a minor child when the legal guardian or parents are unable to do so. 2. ATP for Incapacitated Adults: This form of ATP may be necessary for adults who become incapacitated due to illness, injury, or cognitive impairment, allowing a trusted individual to manage and pay their medical bills. 3. ATP for Organ Transplants: In cases where an individual undergoes a transplant surgery, this type of ATP grants the power to cover the medical expenses associated with the transplant procedure and post-operative care. 4. ATP for Long-term Care: This ATP authorizes a designated agent to handle the payment of medical bills for long-term care services, such as nursing homes or home healthcare, on behalf of an incapacitated person. In summary, the Oregon Authority to Pay Medical Bills is a legal document that provides the designated agent with the authority to manage and pay medical bills for an incapacitated person. It ensures that medical expenses are taken care of promptly and correctly, easing the financial burden on the incapacitated individual and their family. There are also specific types of ATP's for minors, incapacitated adults, organ transplants, and long-term care situations.