Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively controlling an oscillator-driven implantable stimulator to operate either in a quiescent state, in response to a command from an external communicating device, or in an active state in response either to removal of an activation pin or to an activating command from an external communicating device. Upon completion of manufacture of the stimulator, and before being placed on a shelf to await implantation in a patient, the activation pin is inserted into the stimulator and the external communicating device is triggered to send a deactivating command to the stimulator. The stimulator responds by generally disabling current sources to stimulator circuits, while maintaining current sources to a wake up circuit of the stimulator that is associated with communication operations. The stimulator is activated by subsequently transmitting an activating command from an external communicating device to the implantable stimulator, or by removing the activation pin.