Legal Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for Florida

What is a Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO)?

A Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that allows a patient to refuse cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a medical emergency. This order is particularly important for individuals with serious health conditions who wish to avoid aggressive life-saving measures that may not align with their end-of-life preferences.

Who can complete a DNRO in Florida?

The DNRO can be completed by a competent adult, or a legally authorized representative on behalf of an adult. It's essential that the person completing the form fully understands its implications and has discussed their wishes with healthcare providers and family members.

How do I get a Florida DNRO form?

The DNRO form is available through various healthcare providers, hospitals, and the Florida Department of Health's website. It's recommended to discuss obtaining the form with a healthcare professional who can offer guidance tailored to your medical situation.

Does a DNRO need to be notarized?

No, a Florida DNRO does not need to be notarized or witnessed to be valid. However, it is important that the form is properly filled out and that the patient or authorized representative makes a copy available to healthcare providers, such as doctors and emergency personnel.

Where should I keep my DNRO form?

Keep the DNRO form in a place where it can be easily accessed in an emergency, such as on the refrigerator or in a medical file at home. Additionally, providing copies to family members and healthcare providers ensures that your wishes are clear and can be respected during critical moments.

Are there any costs associated with completing a DNRO?

There are no costs associated with obtaining or completing a Florida DNRO. This document is a free resource provided to ensure that individuals can express their end-of-life care preferences without financial barriers.

Can a DNRO be revoked or changed?

Yes, a DNRO can be revoked or modified at any time by the individual who created it. To revoke the order, simply destroy the original document and inform your healthcare providers of the change. If you choose to create a new DNRO, ensure it clearly indicates your current wishes.

What if I do not have a DNRO?

If you do not have a DNRO and suffer a medical emergency, healthcare providers are required to perform life-saving measures, including CPR, unless there is a clear indication of a valid DNRO. Discussing your wishes with family and healthcare providers is crucial if you choose not to complete a DNRO.

Is a DNRO valid in other states?

A Florida DNRO is generally honored in other states, but practices may vary. Ensure you review the regulations of the specific state where care is being provided. Carrying a copy of the DNRO along with any additional state-required documentation may help avoid confusion for healthcare providers outside Florida.

1. Not having a qualified physician sign the form. A physician's signature is essential for the DNR to be valid.

2. Failing to date the document properly. Leaving the date blank can create confusion about when the order was made.

3. Choosing the wrong format for the form. Ensure you are using the current version of the Florida DNR order form to avoid any issues.

4. Not discussing the decision with family members. Open communication can prevent misunderstandings later on regarding your wishes.

5. Forgetting to provide copies of the completed form. It should be shared with healthcare providers and family members.

6. Not initialing any changes made on the document. If you make edits, initialing them helps to validate the changes.

7. Using vague language. Clear and explicit statements about intentions are crucial to avoid misinterpretation.

8. Overlooking the need for periodic review. Regularly assess whether your wishes still align with the DNR order.

9. Ignoring state guidelines. Be familiar with Florida's laws and policies regarding DNR orders to ensure compliance.

The Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) is a critical document for individuals who desire to make their end-of-life wishes clear concerning resuscitation efforts. It often accompanies other forms and documents that help ensure a comprehensive approach to medical decision-making and advance care planning. The following is a list of commonly associated documents that may be used alongside the DNRO, each serving unique purposes in health care planning.

• Living Will: A legal document that outlines a person’s preferences regarding medical treatment in scenarios where they become unable to communicate their wishes, especially in end-of-life situations.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This document designates an individual to make medical decisions on behalf of another person if the individual is incapacitated.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): A medical order that outlines a patient's preferences for treatments and interventions, it is often used to communicate goals of care beyond resuscitation.
• Health Care Proxy: A document that allows an individual to appoint someone else to make health care decisions for them if they are unable to do so themselves.
• Do Not Hospitalize Order: This order specifies that a patient wishes to avoid hospital admission or certain treatments in a hospital setting, respecting their desire to remain in a home or alternative care environment.
• Advance Directive: A general term for legal documents that set forth an individual's healthcare preferences, including both living wills and durable powers of attorney.
• Comfort Care/ Palliative Care Plans: These documents outline the specific care goals and interventions aimed at providing relief from pain and enhancing quality of life, rather than focusing on curative measures.
• Healthcare Information Release Form: This form allows individuals to authorize the sharing of their medical records and information with designated persons, facilitating informed decision-making by caregivers or family members.
• Organ Donation Registration: A form where individuals can express their wishes to donate organs or tissues after death, addressing a significant aspect of their medical care and legacy.
• Medication Instructions: Document detailing specific medications, dosages, and instructions for use, often critical for managing health effectively, especially at the end-of-life stage.

Each of these documents plays a pivotal role in expressing an individual’s values, desires, and health care preferences. They collectively contribute to a person-centric approach to medical care, dignifying the choices and ensuring that wishes are respected throughout the health care continuum.

The Florida Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is similar to the Living Will. A Living Will allows individuals to outline their preferences regarding end-of-life medical treatment, specifically in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes. This document provides a broader scope of healthcare decisions but shares the common objective of ensuring that a person’s wishes are honored during serious medical situations, particularly when life-sustaining treatments are being considered.

Another document comparable to the DNR Order is the Medical Power of Attorney. This legal document designates a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on behalf of someone who is incapacitated. While the DNR focuses on resuscitation specifically, the Medical Power of Attorney covers a range of medical decisions. Both documents reflect the individual's wishes and priorities regarding medical treatment but differ in their scope and authority.

The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form also shares similarities with the DNR Order. Intended for individuals with serious health conditions, the POLST outlines specific medical treatments that should be provided or withheld. Like the DNR, the POLST requires a physician's signature and is recognized by emergency medical personnel to guide immediate medical actions. Both documents aim to honor the patient's preferences, especially in critical situations.

In addition, the Advance Directive is closely related to the DNR. This comprehensive document combines the Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney. It allows individuals to articulate their healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf. The Advance Directive encompasses various aspects of medical care, aligning with the purpose of the DNR—which is to articulate specific wishes regarding resuscitation and other emergency interventions.

The Do Not Hospitalize (DNH) order is another similar document. This directive is used primarily in long-term care settings, and it indicates that an individual should not be transferred to a hospital for acute care. While the DNR primarily addresses resuscitation efforts, the DNH focuses on avoiding hospitalization altogether, emphasizing the desire for comfort and quality of life in a familiar environment.

Finally, the Comfort Care Order, or Comfort Measures Order, is another document aligned with the DNR. This directive prioritizes comfort and quality of life over aggressive medical interventions. It is often applied in hospice or palliative care settings. Both the Comfort Care Order and the DNR reflect a commitment to ensuring that a person’s final days are spent according to their values and choices, emphasizing dignity in the face of terminal illness.

When filling out the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order form, it is critical to follow these guidelines to ensure the document is valid and reflects your wishes. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do.

• Do consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your wishes.
• Do ensure the form is signed and dated by you or an authorized person.
• Do keep the original form in a prominent place.
• Do inform family members and loved ones about the order.

• Don't use the form if you do not understand its implications.
• Don't forget to review and update your order as needed.
• Don't make alterations to the official form unless required by law.
• Don't assume that the hospital or facility will have a copy of your order.

Many people may have questions or misunderstandings about the Florida Do Not Resuscitate (DNRO) Order form. Here are five common misconceptions that can lead to confusion:

1. My loved ones will be left to die without medical care. Some believe that a DNRO means that a person will not receive any medical treatment, which is incorrect. The DNRO specifically indicates that medical personnel should not perform CPR in the event of cardiac arrest. Other medical treatments and care will still be provided.

2. The DNRO can be applied to any medical situation. It’s a common misunderstanding that a DNRO covers all healthcare decisions. However, the DNRO only applies to situations involving cardiac arrest. Other decisions regarding medication and treatments are separate and should be discussed with healthcare providers.

3. Once I fill out the DNRO, it's set in stone. Many people think that a DNRO is permanent and cannot be changed. In reality, a DNRO can be revoked or modified at any time. It’s important to communicate any changes with your healthcare provider and ensure that your preferences are documented properly.

4. Anyone can fill out a DNRO on behalf of someone else. Some may assume that any family member can complete the DNRO form for a loved one. However, only the person who is the subject of the DNRO or their legally authorized representative can sign it. It’s crucial to understand the legal requirements before proceeding.

5. The DNRO is only for the elderly or terminally ill. While many think DNROs are only relevant for older individuals, this is not the case. Anyone with a serious medical condition or who wishes to have control over their resuscitation preferences may benefit from having a DNRO, regardless of age.

Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare preferences and ensure that their wishes are respected. It’s always advisable to discuss these decisions with loved ones and healthcare professionals.

• In Florida, a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) allows individuals to refuse resuscitation in the event of a cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.

• It is crucial that the DNRO form is properly filled out and signed by both the patient and a licensed physician to ensure it is legally binding.

• The DNRO must be made readily available to emergency medical services (EMS) to be honored. It is advisable to place a copy on the refrigerator door or near the patient for easy access.

• Individuals can revoke their DNRO at any time. This can be done verbally or in writing, so long as the revocation is communicated clearly.

• The form does not apply to situations involving other life-sustaining treatments, such as feeding tubes or ventilators, unless specifically stated.

• It is recommended to discuss the DNRO extensively with family members and healthcare providers to ensure everyone understands the wishes outlined in the order.

• Lastly, keep a copy of the completed DNRO with your advance directive and share it with your healthcare proxy or family members to avoid confusion in critical situations.