What is a Guardian in Oregon?

A guardian is a person, institution, or agency appointed by a court to manage the affairs of a protected person (the incapacitated person is known as a protected person because of the protection that is required under court oversight.) If authorized by the court, the guardian may make decisions about personal health, services, programs, medical care, residence, and release of confidential information. If authorized, a guardian in Oregon may also manage limited finances. The court may give a guardian general powers or limit those powers in any appropriate way. No matter how much authority a guardian is given, the law requires the guardian to give the protected person as much independence as his or her condition will allow, and to consider his/her wishes and choices in decision-making.