Attorney-Approved Do Not Resuscitate Order Template

The Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is often misunderstood. Here are five common misconceptions that need clarification:

• A DNR means no medical care at all. This is false. A DNR order specifically addresses resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac arrest. Patients can still receive other forms of medical treatment, including pain management and comfort care.
• A DNR is a legal document that applies in all situations. This is not entirely accurate. A DNR order is typically specific to emergency medical situations and may not apply in all healthcare settings, such as hospitals or during surgeries, unless explicitly stated.
• Only terminally ill patients need a DNR. This misconception overlooks the fact that individuals with serious medical conditions, regardless of their prognosis, may choose a DNR. It is a personal decision based on individual values and preferences.
• A DNR order is permanent and cannot be changed. This is misleading. Patients or their legal representatives can revoke or modify a DNR order at any time, reflecting changes in their wishes or health status.
• Healthcare providers will not respect a DNR order. This is simply untrue. Healthcare providers are obligated to honor valid DNR orders. It is essential for patients to communicate their wishes clearly to ensure compliance.

Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for making informed decisions about end-of-life care. Clear communication with healthcare providers can ensure that patients' wishes are respected.

• Advance Healthcare Directive: This document outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in situations where they may not be able to communicate their wishes. It includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments, similar to a DNR order.
• Living Will: A living will specifies the types of medical treatment an individual wishes to receive or refuse in the event of terminal illness or incapacitation. Like a DNR, it addresses end-of-life care decisions.
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• Healthcare Power of Attorney: This document designates someone to make healthcare decisions on behalf of an individual if they are unable to do so. It can include instructions about resuscitation, paralleling the intent of a DNR.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST forms provide specific medical orders regarding resuscitation and other life-sustaining treatments, similar to a DNR but more detailed in addressing various scenarios.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: A DNI order specifies that a patient should not be intubated if they cannot breathe on their own, aligning with the intent of a DNR in limiting aggressive medical interventions.
• Comfort Care Order: This document focuses on providing comfort rather than aggressive treatment. It emphasizes pain management and quality of life, akin to the goals of a DNR.
• End-of-Life Care Plan: An end-of-life care plan outlines a person's wishes for their care as they approach death, including decisions related to resuscitation, similar to the guidance provided by a DNR.
• Patient Preferences Document: This document captures an individual's healthcare preferences and values, guiding medical decisions in line with a DNR's purpose of respecting patient autonomy.
• Do Not Hospitalize Order: This order indicates that a patient should not be admitted to a hospital for treatment, reflecting a desire for comfort care rather than aggressive interventions, much like a DNR.
• Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST): Similar to POLST, this document provides specific medical orders regarding the scope of treatment a patient desires, including resuscitation preferences, aligning closely with a DNR's intent.

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is an important document that reflects a person's wishes regarding medical interventions in case of a life-threatening situation. However, it is often accompanied by other forms and documents that provide further clarity and guidance about an individual's healthcare preferences. Below is a list of some commonly used documents that complement a DNR Order.

• Advance Healthcare Directive: This document outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in various situations. It can specify what types of treatments one would or would not want, helping healthcare providers understand the patient's wishes when they are unable to communicate.
• Living Will: A living will is a specific type of advance directive that focuses on end-of-life care. It details the medical treatments a person desires or wishes to avoid, particularly in situations where they are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.
• Healthcare Proxy: This document designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of an individual if they become incapacitated. The appointed person, known as a healthcare agent or proxy, should be someone who understands the individual's values and preferences.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): A POLST form translates a patient's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments into actionable medical orders. It is typically used for individuals with serious health conditions and is recognized by healthcare providers as a legal document.
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• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: Similar to a DNR, a DNI order specifically instructs medical personnel not to insert a breathing tube in the event of respiratory failure. This document is crucial for individuals who may wish to avoid invasive procedures while still receiving other forms of care.
• Medical Power of Attorney: This legal document allows an individual to appoint someone else to make healthcare decisions on their behalf. Unlike a healthcare proxy, a medical power of attorney can cover a broader range of decisions, including financial matters related to healthcare.

Understanding these documents can empower individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions. By clearly articulating their wishes, they can ensure that their preferences are honored, even when they cannot voice them themselves. This proactive approach fosters peace of mind for both patients and their families.