Facing end-of-life decisions can be challenging, but creating a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is an important step for those who want to avoid aggressive and potentially futile medical interventions.
A DNR empowers you to take control of how your final moments unfold, reflecting your personal beliefs and wishes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a DNR order, how to keep it up to date, and where to store it so it’s easily accessible when needed.
Key Takeaways
To create a valid DNR order, start by consulting your healthcare provider and discussing your decision with your family.
A valid DNR requires signatures from you, your physician, and two witnesses.
You have the right to update or revoke your DNR at any time. Just be sure to notify your healthcare provider promptly to ensure your wishes are honored.
Steps for Creating a DNR Order
Having a DNR that is not properly executed is useless, which is why you need to ensure you carry out all the steps to creating a DNR.
1. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider
Before you do anything else, you should consult with your healthcare provider, since they’ll fill in your forms and will have all of your medical information. When consulting with your doctor, be sure to tell them all of your concerns and what you want to avoid by taking out a DNR.
During this consultation, your healthcare provider will also take the time to discuss the risks involved in making this decision. They’ll remind you that a DNR is very different from other estate planning documents.
You can choose between an in-hospital DNR form and an out-of-hospital DNR form. The first form is the most traditional kind of DNR and prevents resuscitation in a hospital, while the second form prevents resuscitation in the home, during transport like in an ambulance, and in public.
Attorney John Strohmeyer of Strohmeyer Law in Houston reminds patients that a DNR is “not a medical power of attorney, where you’re going to appoint an agent to make medical decisions for you."
Once your healthcare provider is confident that you’re 100% certain of your decision, they will start the process of creating a DNR.
2. Research Legal Requirements in Your State
Your next step is to research the legal requirements of obtaining a DNR in your state, as these may differ from state to state. So, you may need to redo your order if you ever move states. While the requirements may differ, they’re generally very similar, with variations seen in the type of DNR order.
For your DNR to be valid, most states require a valid signature from the patient and the date. The form must then be signed off by a licensed healthcare provider. Some states require the doctor to provide their practicing license number as well as two witness signatures. Some states will require the form to be notarized.
You should also note that some states will require patients to keep a physical copy of the DNR on hand. If you travel often, you will want to keep this document with you at all times.
3. Obtain and Fill out the DNR Form
Filling in the DNR form is an important step and must be done correctly to ensure the DNR is valid. Generally, a DNR order form can be downloaded very easily and will state that it only applies to cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Other modes of treatment, like some drugs and testing procedures, are excluded. So, be sure to read through all the conditions on the form before signing it. Most states do not accept DNRs that have been verbally issued, as they need to be signed appropriately.
Chat with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the forms.
4. Obtain the Necessary Signatures
Remember, your DNR is only valid if you and a physician have signed it with witnesses — unless you are in Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, or Maryland, where only a physician's signature is needed.
Keep your DNR forms secure with Trustworthy. Trustworthy’s easy collaboration and permission features make sharing your DNR documents with your medical power of attorney and family easy and convenient.
5. Register Your DNR Order
Once you fill out the forms correctly and obtain the correct signatures for your state’s requirements, you must register your DNR. This simply means your healthcare provider will put your DNR order in your medical history, so the next time you’re in the hospital, it will reflect on their system.
Related: How to File a DNR Form
6. Inform Family, Healthcare Providers, and Emergency Services
In order to ensure your DNR is carried out, you should tell healthcare providers and emergency services in person if you are able. Sometimes, wearing medical jewelry, such as a bracelet or necklace, can also get the medical personnel’s attention.
While a DNR is your choice, it will affect your friends and family. Be sure to explain your decision clearly and firmly to your loved ones so there are no unwelcome surprises if something happens to you.
During this conversation, it’s normal for family members to get upset or angry with your decision, so do not let them or your healthcare provider pressure you about your decision.
This is where Trustworthy’s Family Operating System® can offer you support. Trustworthy is an intelligent digital vault that can be used to store all your important and confidential medical information when you are creating your DNR.
Store your DNR order with Trustworthy, which uses advanced security measures to keep your confidential documents safe. This leading-edge technology includes two-factor authentication and AES 256-bit encryption. Trustworthy is fully SOC3 certified and compliant with The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
How to Update a DNR Order
You always have the right to change your mind about your DNR order if you wish to update it. To do this, you will need to inform your healthcare provider immediately of your decision to start the process of revoking your DNR. They are legally required to remove the DNR from your records and distribute this information to your other healthcare providers.
You will also need to destroy all documentation of your DNR, and if you’re wearing medical jewelry for these purposes, take them off.
Remember to tell all your loved ones and caregivers about your change in plans so they are aware and to prevent any confusion or misunderstanding during a medical emergency.
Keep Your DNR Order Accessible
Because some states require that you have a physical copy of your DNR on hand, you should store it somewhere safe, like a home safe. You can also use Trustworthy to store your DNR and give access through a trusted network of your medical power of attorney or loved ones. This way, they can easily find it if you are unable to produce the order yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to create a DNR order?
Any competent adult can create a DNR with the assistance of a licensed healthcare provider.
What information is required on a DNR form?
All that is required from you and your healthcare provider is names, dates, signatures, and in some states, your healthcare provider's license number.
Who needs to sign a DNR order for it to be valid?
Depending on what state you are in, the DNR order will need to be signed by the patient, physician, and witnesses.
Can a DNR order be created without a lawyer?
Yes, you will need a healthcare provider to sign the order form, not a lawyer.
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