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.
A California Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) or Advance Directive is a legally binding document that allows individuals to express their end-of-life preferences regarding medical treatment. It grants patients the right to refuse cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other life-sustaining interventions in case of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. A DNR order in California instructs healthcare professionals not to attempt any resuscitation measures, including CPR, intubation, or defibrillation, in the event of a cardiac arrest. This order is typically only valid within the hospital or inpatient setting. However, an Advance Directive is a more comprehensive document that encompasses a broader range of healthcare decisions and is effective in multiple settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and even during care received at home. Different types of California Do Not Resuscitate Orders or Advance Directives include: 1. Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POST): POST is a standardized form that provides detailed instructions for medical treatment preferences, including resuscitation, intubation, antibiotics, and artificial nutrition. It is completed by a healthcare professional in collaboration with the patient or their authorized representative. POST orders can be honored across various healthcare settings. 2. California Advance Health Care Directive: This directive allows individuals to appoint a healthcare agent (also known as a healthcare proxy or power of attorney for healthcare) who can make medical decisions on their behalf when they are unable to do so. This directive not only covers DNR orders specifically, but it also provides instructions for other medical treatments and end-of-life care, such as pain management, nutrition, and organ donation. It's important for individuals to discuss their end-of-life wishes with their healthcare provider, family, and designated healthcare agent to ensure that their desires are understood and honored. Completing a DNR order or an Advance Directive is a proactive step towards ensuring that medical treatment aligns with individual preferences, avoiding unnecessary interventions or the provision of care that goes against one's wishes.
