Free Do Not Resuscitate Order Form

1. Failing to clearly indicate the patient's wishes. It is crucial to ensure that the instructions are explicit. Ambiguities can lead to confusion during critical moments.

2. Not signing the form. A Do Not Resuscitate Order must be signed by the patient or their authorized representative. Without a signature, the document may not be considered valid.

3. Neglecting to date the form. A DNR order should be dated to establish its relevance and to avoid any potential disputes regarding its validity over time.

4. Using outdated forms. Medical regulations can change. Always ensure that the most current version of the DNR order is being used to avoid legal complications.

5. Not discussing the order with healthcare providers. Communication with doctors and nurses is essential. They need to understand the patient's wishes to act accordingly.

6. Forgetting to review the order periodically. A patient's health status and preferences may change. Regular reviews ensure that the DNR order reflects the current wishes of the patient.

7. Omitting necessary medical information. Including relevant medical history can provide context for the DNR decision, helping healthcare providers make informed choices.

8. Not informing family members. It is important to communicate the existence of the DNR order to family members to avoid misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page.

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a vital document that communicates a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation efforts in the event of a medical emergency. However, it is often accompanied by other important forms that help clarify a patient's healthcare preferences. Below is a list of related documents that can enhance understanding and ensure that a patient's wishes are respected.

• Advance Healthcare Directive: This document allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences in advance. It can specify the types of medical treatments they do or do not want, and it often includes the appointment of a healthcare proxy to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.
• 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 wishes to receive or decline, particularly in situations where they are terminally ill or incapacitated.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney: This legal document designates someone to make healthcare decisions for an individual if they are unable to communicate their wishes. It is crucial for ensuring that someone the individual trusts can advocate for their 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 particularly useful for patients with serious illnesses and should be honored by healthcare providers.
• Patient Preferences Form: This form allows patients to express their preferences regarding various aspects of their care, such as pain management and the use of artificial nutrition or hydration. It serves as a guide for healthcare providers to align treatment with the patient's values.
• Do Not Intubate Order: Similar to a DNR, this order specifically instructs healthcare providers not to perform intubation. It is important for patients who may wish to avoid certain invasive procedures while still wanting other forms of treatment.

Having these documents in place can provide clarity and peace of mind for both patients and their families. It ensures that healthcare providers understand and respect the individual's wishes, leading to more personalized and compassionate care. Always consult with a healthcare professional when considering these important decisions.

When filling out and using a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, consider the following key points:

• Understand what a DNR Order means. It indicates that you do not want resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac arrest.
• Consult with your healthcare provider. They can explain the implications and help you make an informed decision.
• Ensure the form is completed accurately. Any errors could lead to unwanted medical interventions.
• Sign and date the form. Your signature confirms your wishes and makes the document legally valid.
• Discuss your wishes with family members. Open communication can prevent confusion and stress during a medical crisis.
• Keep the DNR Order accessible. Place copies in your medical records and with your primary healthcare provider.
• Review the DNR Order regularly. Your preferences may change over time, and the form should reflect your current wishes.
• Understand that a DNR Order applies only to resuscitation efforts. Other medical treatments and care will continue as needed.
• Consider additional advance directives. These documents can provide more comprehensive guidance regarding your healthcare preferences.
• Know that you can revoke the DNR Order at any time. Your wishes are paramount, and you have the right to change them.

A Living Will is a document that outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they cannot communicate their preferences. Like a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, a Living Will provides guidance to healthcare providers about the individual's desires concerning life-sustaining measures. Both documents serve to ensure that a person's values and wishes are respected in critical health situations, allowing them to maintain control over their medical care even when they are unable to voice their decisions.

A Healthcare Proxy, also known as a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, designates a specific person to make medical decisions on behalf of an individual if they become incapacitated. Similar to a DNR Order, this document emphasizes the importance of personal choice in medical care. While a DNR specifies what should not be done in terms of resuscitation, a Healthcare Proxy empowers someone trusted to make broader healthcare decisions, ensuring that the individual's overall wishes are honored.

An Advance Directive combines elements of both a Living Will and a Healthcare Proxy. It allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences while also appointing someone to make decisions on their behalf. This document is similar to a DNR Order in that it provides specific instructions for medical treatment, ensuring that healthcare providers understand the individual's desires. Both documents aim to prevent unwanted medical interventions and promote patient autonomy in critical situations.

Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a medical order that translates a patient's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments into actionable orders for healthcare providers. Like a DNR Order, POLST is intended for individuals with serious health conditions who may face life-threatening situations. Both documents serve as a means to communicate a patient's preferences clearly, ensuring that medical teams are aware of the individual's choices regarding resuscitation and other interventions.

A Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order is a specific directive that indicates a patient does not wish to be placed on a ventilator or have their airway artificially managed. This document is similar to a DNR Order in that it focuses on limiting medical interventions in critical situations. Both orders reflect the patient's wishes about the extent of care they wish to receive, allowing for a more personalized approach to end-of-life care.

Finally, a Comfort Care Order emphasizes the provision of comfort and palliative care rather than aggressive medical treatment. This document is similar to a DNR Order as it prioritizes the patient's comfort and quality of life over invasive procedures. Both documents aim to ensure that individuals receive care that aligns with their values and preferences, especially during challenging health circumstances.

Filling out a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important step in making your healthcare wishes known. Here are some essential dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

• Do clearly state your wishes regarding resuscitation.
• Do discuss your decision with your healthcare provider.
• Do ensure that your DNR form is signed by you and your physician.
• Do keep a copy of the DNR order in a visible place.
• Don't fill out the form without fully understanding its implications.
• Don't forget to inform your family members about your decision.