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 Massachusetts Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) or Advance Directive is a legal document that allows individuals to communicate their end-of-life wishes and decisions regarding medical treatments, specifically resuscitation. It provides guidance to healthcare professionals on whether to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other life-sustaining interventions in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. There are two primary types of Do Not Resuscitate Orders recognized in Massachusetts: 1. Do Not Resuscitate Comfort Care (DNR-CC): This type of DNR Order directs healthcare professionals not to attempt CPR but allows the provision of comfort care measures like pain management, oxygen therapy, positioning, and other comfort-enhancing interventions. 2. Do Not Resuscitate Comfort Measures Only (DNR-CMO): This type of DNR Order goes a step further and requests healthcare professionals to withhold all life-sustaining treatments, except for measures aimed at providing comfort to the patient, such as pain control and emotional support. A Massachusetts Do Not Resuscitate Order or Advance Directive can be issued by an individual who is at least 18 years old and has the capacity to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider or legal professional to ensure the document complies with Massachusetts state laws and regulations. By completing a Do Not Resuscitate Order or Advance Directive, individuals can have their end-of-life choices honored, advocate for the care they desire, and alleviate potential burdens on their families or proxy decision-makers during difficult medical situations. It is important to review and update these documents periodically to reflect any changes in personal preferences or circumstances. Keywords: Massachusetts, Do Not Resuscitate Order, DNR, Advance Directive, legal document, end-of-life wishes, medical treatments, resuscitation, healthcare professionals, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, life-sustaining interventions, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, Do Not Resuscitate Comfort Care, DNR-CC, comfort care measures, pain management, oxygen therapy, positioning, comfort-enhancing interventions, Do Not Resuscitate Comfort Measures Only, DNR-CMO, life-sustaining treatments, pain control, emotional support, healthcare provider, legal professional, state laws, regulations, end-of-life choices, advocacy, burdens, proxy decision-makers, personal preferences.