Valid Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for New York

Understanding the New York Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is crucial for making informed decisions about end-of-life care. However, several misconceptions often arise regarding this important document. Here are six common misunderstandings:

• A DNR order means you will not receive any medical care. Many people believe that having a DNR order in place means they will be denied all medical treatment. In reality, a DNR order specifically addresses resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Other medical care, such as pain management and comfort measures, will still be provided.
• You can only have a DNR order if you are terminally ill. Some think that a DNR order is only for those who are at the end of life. However, anyone can choose to have a DNR order, regardless of their health status. It is a personal choice that reflects an individual’s wishes regarding resuscitation.
• A DNR order is permanent and cannot be changed. This misconception can lead to unnecessary worry. A DNR order can be revoked or modified at any time. If your preferences change, you can update your DNR order to reflect your current wishes.
• You need a lawyer to complete a DNR order. While legal advice can be helpful, it is not necessary to have a lawyer to fill out a DNR order. The form is designed to be straightforward, allowing individuals to complete it on their own or with the assistance of a healthcare provider.
• A DNR order is only valid in hospitals. Many believe that DNR orders apply only in hospital settings. In fact, a DNR order is valid in any healthcare setting, including at home or in long-term care facilities, as long as it is properly documented and recognized by medical personnel.
• Having a DNR order means you are giving up on life. This is a common but misguided belief. A DNR order is about respecting personal choices regarding end-of-life care. It allows individuals to prioritize their comfort and dignity, rather than undergoing potentially traumatic resuscitation efforts that may not align with their values.

By understanding these misconceptions, individuals can make more informed choices regarding their healthcare preferences and ensure their wishes are respected.

When filling out the New York Do Not Resuscitate Order form, it’s essential to approach the process with care. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind:

• Do discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider to ensure clarity.
• Do ensure that the form is signed by a physician to make it valid.
• Do keep copies of the completed form for your records and share them with family members.
• Do review the form periodically to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

• Don't fill out the form without understanding its implications.
• Don't assume that verbal instructions are sufficient; the form must be in writing.
• Don't forget to check for any specific state requirements that may apply.
• Don't leave the form in an inaccessible location; keep it in a place where it can be easily found in an emergency.

• Advance Healthcare Directive: This document allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate their wishes. Like a DNR order, it ensures that healthcare providers respect the patient's choices regarding life-sustaining measures.
• Living Will: A living will is a specific type of advance directive that details what types of medical treatments a person wants or does not want at the end of life. Similar to a DNR, it provides guidance to healthcare professionals about the patient's desires regarding life support.
• Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of an individual if they are unable to do so. It parallels a DNR order in that it ensures a person's healthcare preferences are honored, even if they cannot express them directly.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): A POLST form translates a patient's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment into actionable medical orders. Like a DNR, it is intended for patients with serious health conditions and ensures their treatment preferences are followed by medical personnel.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: This document specifically indicates that a patient does not wish to be placed on a ventilator. It is similar to a DNR order as both documents aim to limit invasive medical interventions in alignment with the patient's wishes.

What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in New York?

A Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that instructs medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's heart stops beating or they stop breathing. In New York, this order is specifically designed for individuals with serious health conditions who wish to avoid aggressive life-saving measures in certain situations.

Who can request a DNR Order?

In New York, a DNR Order can be requested by an adult patient or their legally authorized representative. This may include a family member, guardian, or someone designated by the patient to make healthcare decisions on their behalf.

How is a DNR Order created?

To create a DNR Order in New York, the following steps should be taken:

1. Consult with a healthcare provider about the patient's medical condition and preferences.
2. Complete the New York State Do Not Resuscitate Order form, which must be signed by the patient and their physician.
3. Ensure that copies of the signed DNR Order are provided to all relevant healthcare providers and kept in a visible location.

Is a DNR Order legally binding?

Yes, a properly executed DNR Order is legally binding in New York. Healthcare providers are required to honor the order as long as it is valid and signed by the appropriate parties.

Can a DNR Order be revoked?

Yes, a DNR Order can be revoked at any time. The patient or their representative should inform their healthcare provider and ensure that all copies of the order are destroyed or marked as revoked.

What should I do if I change my mind about a DNR Order?

If you change your mind about a DNR Order, communicate your decision to your healthcare provider immediately. Make sure to revoke the existing order and create a new one if necessary, reflecting your current wishes.

Where should I keep my DNR Order?

It is important to keep your DNR Order in a visible and accessible location. Common places include:

• On the refrigerator door
• In a medical file or binder
• With your primary healthcare provider

Will a DNR Order affect other medical treatments?

A DNR Order specifically addresses resuscitation efforts. It does not affect other medical treatments or care that you may wish to receive, such as pain management or comfort care. These treatments will continue as needed.

Can family members override a DNR Order?

In general, a DNR Order is to be followed as long as it is valid. However, family members may express concerns or request changes. It is best to discuss these matters with the healthcare provider to ensure everyone is on the same page.

How can I obtain a New York DNR Order form?

You can obtain a New York DNR Order form from your healthcare provider, hospital, or the New York State Department of Health website. It is essential to use the official form to ensure that it meets all legal requirements.

How to Write New York Do Not Resuscitate Order

Filling out the New York Do Not Resuscitate Order form requires careful attention to detail. Once completed, the form should be placed in a visible location, such as on the refrigerator or in a medical file, to ensure that medical personnel can easily access it when needed.

1. Obtain a copy of the New York Do Not Resuscitate Order form. You can find it online or request it from a healthcare provider.
2. Fill in the patient's full name at the top of the form.
3. Provide the patient's date of birth. This helps to confirm their identity.
4. Indicate the patient's address. This should include the street address, city, state, and zip code.
5. Check the box that indicates the patient's wishes regarding resuscitation.
6. Have the patient or their legal representative sign and date the form. If the patient is unable to sign, a legally authorized representative can sign on their behalf.
7. Include the name and contact information of the physician who is overseeing the patient's care.
8. Make copies of the completed form for the patient, their family, and the healthcare provider.
9. Store the original form in a prominent place where it can be easily found in an emergency.

Completing a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form in New York is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. However, many individuals make mistakes during this process that can lead to confusion or unintended consequences. One common error is not discussing the decision with family members or healthcare providers. Engaging in these conversations ensures that everyone understands the individual's wishes and can advocate for them if necessary.

Another frequent mistake is failing to sign the form correctly. A DNR Order must be signed by the patient or their legal representative. If the signature is missing or not properly executed, the document may not be honored by medical personnel. Additionally, individuals often neglect to date the form. An undated DNR Order can create uncertainty about its validity, leading to complications in emergency situations.

People sometimes overlook the importance of including specific instructions. A DNR Order should clearly state the patient's preferences regarding resuscitation and other life-sustaining treatments. Without detailed instructions, healthcare providers may be unsure of how to proceed. This ambiguity can lead to unwanted interventions during critical moments.

Another mistake involves not keeping the DNR Order easily accessible. Once the form is completed, it should be placed in a location where it can be quickly retrieved by medical personnel, such as a hospital or emergency services. If the document is not readily available, there is a risk that the patient’s wishes may not be honored in a medical emergency.

Additionally, individuals may fail to review and update their DNR Orders as circumstances change. Life events such as a change in health status, relocation, or changes in personal beliefs can affect a person's preferences regarding resuscitation. Regularly reviewing the DNR Order ensures that it accurately reflects current wishes.

Lastly, some people mistakenly believe that a DNR Order only applies in hospital settings. In reality, the DNR must be honored in all healthcare environments, including at home and in long-term care facilities. It is essential to communicate the existence of the DNR Order to all relevant parties to ensure that it is respected across different settings.

Filling out and using the New York Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important step for individuals who wish to express their preferences regarding medical treatment in emergency situations. Here are key takeaways to consider:

• The DNR Order form allows individuals to refuse resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.
• It is essential to complete the form accurately to ensure that healthcare providers understand the individual's wishes.
• The form must be signed by the patient or their legal representative, along with a physician's signature to be valid.
• Once completed, the DNR Order should be kept in an easily accessible location, such as on the refrigerator or with other important medical documents.
• Healthcare providers are required to honor the DNR Order as long as it is properly filled out and signed.
• It is advisable to discuss the DNR Order with family members to ensure they are aware of the individual's wishes.
• Regularly review and update the DNR Order as personal circumstances or health conditions change.
• Understanding the implications of a DNR Order can help individuals make informed decisions about their end-of-life care preferences.