A do not resuscitate (DNR) order is a request not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. Unless given other instructions, hospital staff will try to help all patients whose heart has stopped or who have stopped breathing. A DNR order is put in your medical chart by your doctor. DNR orders are accepted by doctors and hospitals in all states.
This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.
Title: Alaska Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) and Advance Directive: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction: The state of Alaska recognizes the importance of individuals having control over their medical care decisions. In this regard, Alaska has established specific legal documents known as the Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) and Advance Directive. These documents allow individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care, ensuring their desires are respected even when they are unable to make decisions themselves. 1. Alaska Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR): I Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) in Alaska is a legal document that allows individuals to express their wish to forgo certain life-sustaining measures in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. It instructs healthcare professionals to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including chest compressions, artificial ventilation, and defibrillation. A DNR is principally for individuals who are already seriously ill, terminally ill, or simply do not desire aggressive resuscitation measures. Types of Alaska Do Not Resuscitate Orders: a) Comfort Measures Only (CMO) DNR: This type of DNR is intended for individuals who have chosen to focus on comfort and symptom relief rather than receiving aggressive life-saving measures. It ensures that appropriate pain management techniques are applied should cardiac or respiratory arrest occur. b) Limited DNR: A Limited DNR permits selective interventions while still honoring the individual's preference to withhold CPR. These interventions may include the administration of medication, but exclude invasive or extraordinary measures. 2. Alaska Advance Directive: An Advance Directive is a legal document that allows individuals to make decisions regarding their future medical treatment, ensuring their preferences are followed when they are no longer able to communicate their wishes. In Alaska, an Advance Directive typically consists of two parts: a) Living Will: A Living Will outlines an individual's preferences for medical treatment, including the use of life-sustaining measures, artificial nutrition and hydration, and other end-of-life care decisions. b) Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care designates a trusted individual (healthcare proxy) to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual when they are incapacitated or unable to do so themselves. This person should be aware of the individual's desires and values regarding healthcare. Conclusion: The Alaska Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) and Advance Directive are essential legal documents that allow individuals to have control over their medical care preferences. The different types of DNR orders, such as Comfort Measures Only DNR and Limited DNR, ensure that healthcare providers can offer appropriate care while adhering to the individual's wishes. Similarly, the Advance Directive, consisting of a Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, empowers individuals to make critical choices regarding their medical treatment and healthcare decision-makers. By utilizing these documents, Alaskans can have peace of mind knowing their healthcare choices are carried out even if they cannot communicate them themselves.
