You've decided to create a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order and you've consulted your healthcare provider, but now, you have to fill in the form. For starters, you’re probably wondering how and where to get it.
There are multiple places where you can get the form, which we’ll give details on. We’ll also explain how it works and address other legal considerations you need to know.
Key Takeaways
You can obtain a DNR form from your healthcare provider or online for free.
For your end-of-life wishes to be carried out, your DNR has to be valid according to your state’s requirements.
Store your DNR order in a secure digital vault like Trustworthy to keep it secure and accessible to family members.
How to Get a Do-Not-Resuscitate Form
After talking with your healthcare provider, the second step in getting a DNR order is to fill out the form. Generally, your healthcare provider will provide you with the form during the consultation and may assist you with filling it out correctly.
You can also find the forms online for free and can download them from popular and reputable sources like legaltemplates.net and eforms.com.
These websites provide standardized templates accepted by the medical industry. To use them, select the form you want to use and print. You can fill out the forms by hand or electronically and then sign them.
DNR forms are also readily available on each state government website. For example, the Vermont Department of Health makes its DNR/COLST form easily accessible and also provides patients with information about approved DNR medical ID vendors that can be used. The Texas Health and Human Services has DNR PDF forms readily available in English and Spanish, as well as some useful FAQs for patients.
While a DNR form is pretty standard in the sense that it will require your legal name, date and signatures from you, your physician or witnesses, the exact requirements can differ from state to state.
For example, in Texas, patients can choose to wear medical jewelry like bracelets or necklaces in lieu of carrying their DNR form, whereas other states may require patients to carry their DNR forms.
Some states also have different signing requirements that need to be followed to ensure the DNR is valid. This means if you’re traveling to a state with different DNR signing requirements than your own, you’ll have to redo your DNR in the state so that it’s valid.
For example, in Alabama, a valid DNR form needs to have a signature from the patient and the physician, whereas in Indiana, a DNR form needs signatures from the patient, physician, and two witnesses. In Iowa, a DNR is valid with only a signature from the physician. So, if you’re traveling from Iowa to Alabama, your DNR wouldn’t be considered valid.
Understanding How DNR Orders Work
Your DNR is an end-of-life medical directive instructing all healthcare providers and emergency staff who are taking care of you to withhold life-sustaining treatment. This specifically refers to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
This also includes other resuscitation methods like:
Cardiac compression (chest compressions).
Artificial ventilation (mouth-to-mouth breathing).
Defibrillation (electrical shock).
Intubation (involving a respiratory tube).
Attorney John Strohmeyer of Strohmeyer Law in Houston, Texas, explains:
“A do-not-resuscitate order is meant to cover situations where you’re outside of the hospital and you want to make sure you are not revived. So remember that this will stop visitor physicians or other medical personnel from engaging in CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.”
When a loved one decides to create a DNR, this can be hard for the families and friends to understand because CPR saves lives, so wouldn’t they want it? For many, these life-saving methods can be very aggressive and leave patients with painful injuries like sternal fractures and broken ribs.
Oftentimes, patients with terminal illnesses like cancer will have a DNR because they prefer to die naturally, and this also gives them control of their own lives, whereas terminal illnesses can often take away this control.
Many people do not realize that DNRs only apply to medical professionals, so if you happen to have CPR administered to you by a citizen and they did not know you had this order, there will be no legal consequences. However, if a healthcare provider performs life-saving methods knowing you have a DNR, they can face legal action.
Store your valid DNR somewhere that is safe but still easily accessible like Trustworthy. Trustworthy is an award-winning Family Operating System® to store all your end-of-life documents like your DNR. Trustworthy keeps your documents safe thanks to the cutting-edge security used like 256-bit AES encryption, two-factor authentication, and HIPAA and SOC 3 compliance.
Obtaining a DNR Form From Hospitals and Clinics
Getting a DNR form from the hospital or your local clinic is a relatively easy process. To do this, consult with your healthcare provider at the hospital or clinic. During the consultation or treatment, you must explain that you wish to create a DNR order, and they will provide you with the correct documents.
After filling in all the correct information, your healthcare provider will assist you in uploading the form to the system and adding it to your medical history. It’s the responsibility of the healthcare provider to distribute your DNR order to other healthcare providers. They can also assist with providing a DNR card or jewelry like necklaces or bracelets.
Discussing a DNR with Doctors
A DNR is a very important decision. You must think about it and discuss all aspects of filling out a DNR form with your healthcare providers.
Here are the steps for discussing a DNR with your doctor:
Explain your reasoning for wanting to take out a DNR. You can talk about all your hopes and fears for a DNR.
Your doctor will then assess your medical condition and ensure you are making a decision with a sound body and mind.
Your doctor will discuss all the benefits of a DNR as well as some of the potential negative implications of this choice.
Your doctor will elaborate on what happens next during this next part of obtaining a DNR.
After you’re both sure of your decision, they will provide you with a DNR form. While you can fill out this form at home, it is recommended to do it with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about the process. They will likely remind you that you have the right to change your mind at any time.
Once you sign the form, you can give a copy to your doctor and store your copy digitally with Trustworthy. Trustworthy’s secure collaborative features allow you to safely share access to your documents, like a DNR, with your family or your medical power of attorney.
Legal Considerations With a DNR
Ensuring your DNR is valid in the state you live in is so important because if it’s not, healthcare providers or your family members may choose to ignore your end-of-life wishes and resuscitate you. If your DNR is not valid, they will likely face no legal consequences despite how frustrated you may feel.
Your DNR is effective from the moment all required signatures are gathered and must be adhered to by healthcare providers and your family members. Some states will require a signature from a notary to be considered valid, whereas others won’t. So, it’s a good idea to check your state’s requirements.
It’s also a good idea to notify your family and close friends of your DNR so that if you are not in a position to speak for yourself or have no form of DNR identification on you, they can speak on your behalf. Remember, as your medical conditions and preferences change over time, you will need to update and review your DNR so that it accurately reflects your end-of-life wishes.
Ensure your DNR is 100% valid by using Trustworthy. Trustworthy can connect you and your family members with a local Trustworthy Certified Expert™ to help you manage your end-of-life planning like DNRs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can request a DNR order?
Anyone can request a DNR order as long as they are aware of what their decision entails. People with terminal illnesses or who are in chronic pain often order a DNR.
How does a DNR order differ from other advance directives?
The difference between other advance directives, like living wills and medical power of attorney, is that a DNR is written by your healthcare provider and is less broad.
Can a DNR order be revoked or changed?
Yes, your DNR can be changed if your conditions and preferences have changed. You also have the right to change your mind and can revoke your DNR at any time.
Will a DNR order affect other medical treatments?
No, because a DNR is specifically applied to life-saving treatment that involves resuscitation methods. It does not apply to palliative care or pain medications.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of having a DNR order?
If you’re looking to avoid traumatic and aggressive end-of-life treatment that leaves you with potential injuries, a DNR is a good idea. However, DNRs can cause conflict among families who do not want to accept this choice.
Trustworthy is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.
