Printable Do Not Resuscitate Order Form

Understanding the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is essential for making informed decisions about medical care. Here are some key takeaways to consider:

• Know the Purpose: A DNR order instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR if your heart stops or if you stop breathing.
• Discuss with Family: Talk to your loved ones about your wishes. Open conversations can help everyone understand your decisions.
• Consult Your Doctor: Speak with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the implications of a DNR order and whether it's right for you.
• Complete the Form: Fill out the DNR form carefully. Make sure all required information is included to avoid confusion later.
• Sign and Date: Ensure you sign and date the form. This confirms your wishes and makes the order valid.
• Keep Copies: Store copies of the DNR order in easily accessible places. Share them with your family and healthcare providers.
• Review Regularly: Revisit your DNR order periodically. Your preferences may change over time, and it's important to update the form as needed.
• Understand State Laws: Familiarize yourself with the laws in your state regarding DNR orders. Each state may have different requirements and forms.
• Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Make sure your medical team is aware of your DNR order. They need to have it on file to honor your wishes.

Taking these steps can help ensure that your healthcare preferences are respected and understood when it matters most.

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is an important document that outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in the event of a life-threatening situation. However, several other forms and documents can complement a DNR to ensure that a person's healthcare preferences are clearly communicated. Here’s a list of some commonly used forms:

• Advance Directive: This document allows individuals to specify their healthcare preferences in advance, including decisions about end-of-life care and treatment options.
• Healthcare Proxy: A healthcare proxy designates a trusted person to make medical decisions on behalf of someone if they are unable to do so themselves.
• Living Will: A living will provides guidance on the types of medical treatment a person wishes to receive or avoid in specific situations, especially at the end of life.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): This form translates a patient’s preferences into medical orders, ensuring that healthcare providers follow the patient's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments.
• Patient Advocate Designation: This document allows an individual to name someone to advocate for their healthcare preferences and rights, especially in complex medical situations.
• Small Estate Affidavit: This legal document allows heirs to collect assets of a deceased without going through probate, ensuring a faster, cost-effective process for estates below a certain value. For more details, visit All California Forms.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: Similar to a DNR, this order specifically states that a person does not wish to be placed on a ventilator or receive intubation if they are unable to breathe on their own.
• Medical Power of Attorney: This legal document grants someone the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of another person, ensuring their wishes are respected even when they cannot communicate.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Directive: This form provides instructions for emergency responders, detailing a person’s wishes regarding resuscitation and other emergency interventions.

Having these documents in place can help ensure that a person's healthcare wishes are respected, particularly in critical situations. It's important to discuss these options with loved ones and healthcare providers to make informed decisions that align with personal values and preferences.

• Living Will: This document outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate. Like a DNR, it focuses on end-of-life care and can specify preferences for life-sustaining treatments.
• Healthcare Proxy: A healthcare proxy allows an individual to appoint someone to make medical decisions on their behalf. This can include decisions about resuscitation, similar to a DNR order.
• Advance Healthcare Directive: This combines elements of a living will and healthcare proxy. It provides guidance on medical care preferences and designates a person to make decisions if needed.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST is a medical order that outlines a patient's preferences for treatment, including resuscitation. It is similar to a DNR but often includes more detailed instructions.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: This document specifies that a patient should not be intubated if they stop breathing. It is often used alongside a DNR order.
• Comfort Care Order: This order focuses on providing comfort rather than aggressive treatment. It aligns with the goals of a DNR by emphasizing quality of life over life extension.
• Small Estate Affidavit: For those managing estates, the New York Small Estate Affidavit form guide streamlines the process of settling estates without formal probate, saving time and resources.
• Patient's Bill of Rights: This document outlines the rights of patients, including the right to refuse treatment. It supports the principles behind a DNR order by affirming patient autonomy.
• End-of-Life Care Plan: This is a comprehensive plan that addresses all aspects of care at the end of life. It includes preferences for resuscitation and other medical interventions, similar to a DNR.

1. Not discussing the decision with family or healthcare providers: Many individuals fill out the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order without having a conversation about their wishes. This can lead to confusion and conflict among family members during critical moments.

2. Failing to update the form: Life circumstances change. It's essential to review and update the DNR Order regularly, especially after significant health changes or life events.

3. Not understanding the implications: Some people may not fully grasp what a DNR Order entails. It's crucial to comprehend that this order specifically means no resuscitation efforts will be made in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

4. Inaccurate or incomplete information: Filling out the form incorrectly can lead to complications. Ensure that all required fields are filled out accurately, including personal information and signatures.

5. Not keeping copies accessible: After completing the DNR Order, it's important to keep copies in accessible locations. Share them with family members, healthcare providers, and anyone involved in your care.