"Do Not Resuscitate Orders instruct medical providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other procedures to restart your heart or breathing once they have ceased. CPR refers to the medical procedures used to restart a person’s heart and breathing when the person has suffered heart failure. This includes mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and external chest compressions, as well as electric shock, injection of medication into the heart, and other advanced CPR methods.
DNR orders are often made to supplement other health care directives, usually by those who are already critically ill. They are designed to comply with the wishes of a seriously or terminally ill patient, seeking to avoid prolonged suffering.
It is not necessary to include a DNR order with your advance directive. Nor is it necessary to have an advance directive to have a DNR order. If you are hospitalized, you can request that a DNR order be added to your medical record.
Some states allow DNR orders only in hospital settings. Other states allow DNR orders to be honored by emergency responders working outside of a hospital setting. If you are not in the hospital, and live in a state that allows it, you can prepare a pre-hospital DNR order to keep nearby in the event that paramedics are called to your home or care facility. It must be signed by a doctor. These are also called pre-hospital medical care directives or comfort care only documents.
DNR orders can be prepared by requesting a form from the doctor, an area hospital, local hospice or ambulance company; by writing down your desire to not be resuscitated; by having an attorney draft a Living Will; or by use of legal document computer software. Laws regarding co-signatures and notarization for DNR orders vary from state to state.
Some people worry that if they implement a DNR order, they will not receive any care at all. This is incorrect. DNR orders only apply to treatments intended to restart your heart or breathing. You will still receive other medical care, such as pain management, antibiotics, dialysis, chemotherapy and other medical treatment that is designed to prolong your life or increase your comfort.
DNR orders can be revoked at any time in any way that effectively communicates your desire. Some States maintain a registry for DNR orders."
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