Legal Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for Texas

What is a Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR)?

A Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) is a legal document that indicates a person's wishes regarding resuscitation efforts in the event of a medical emergency, such as cardiac arrest. When someone has a DNR in place, it instructs health care providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other life-saving measures if the individual’s heart stops or they stop breathing. This order must be completed and signed by a physician and the patient or their legal representative.

Who can request a DNR in Texas?

In Texas, any adult who is 18 years or older and has the capacity to make decisions about their own medical care can request a DNR. Additionally, a legally appointed guardian can make this request on behalf of a patient who is unable to do so due to incapacity. It is important for individuals to communicate their wishes regarding resuscitation clearly with their healthcare providers and family members.

What should I do if I have a DNR in place?

If you have a DNR order, it is important to keep a copy accessible, such as in your home or with your medical records. You might also consider providing copies to your healthcare providers, family members, and anyone who may be involved in your care. This ensures that your wishes are respected in emergency situations. Additionally, you should periodically review your DNR to ensure it aligns with your current health goals and preferences.

Can I change or revoke a DNR order in Texas?

Yes, a DNR order can be changed or revoked at any time. If you decide to rescind your DNR, it is crucial to notify your healthcare providers and family members immediately. Simply informing them verbally may not be sufficient; it’s a good practice to have them update your medical records to reflect your new wishes. If you wish to create a new DNR order after revocation, you should follow the same steps you took to establish the initial order.

1. Incomplete Information: One of the most common mistakes is failing to provide all required information. For instance, the form requires details such as the patient's full name, date of birth, and the signature of the person authorized to make medical decisions. Any missing information can lead to confusion or the form being deemed invalid.

2. Not Using the Official Form: Individuals sometimes attempt to create their own version of the Do Not Resuscitate Order. This can lead to legal complications or misunderstandings among medical personnel. Always use the official Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order form to ensure compliance with state laws.

3. Failure to Discuss with Medical Providers: Many people fill out the form without discussing their wishes with healthcare providers. Open communication about treatment preferences is vital. Healthcare professionals can provide valuable insights into what the order means and help ensure that the patient's wishes are respected in a medical emergency.

4. Not Reassessing the Order: Circumstances may change, and it is crucial to periodically reassess the order. Individuals may neglect to update it after a significant change in health status or personal values. Regular discussions about the preferences should take place to ensure that the order reflects current wishes.

When a Texas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is created, it often accompanies several other important documents. These documents help ensure that an individual’s healthcare preferences are respected. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that work in conjunction with a DNR order. Each plays a crucial role in guiding medical decisions during critical times.

• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document allows an individual to designate someone else to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. It is vital for ensuring that a person’s healthcare wishes are honored in situations where they cannot communicate.
• Advance Healthcare Directive: Also known as a living will, this document outlines an individual’s preferences regarding specific medical treatments. It details what types of medical interventions one would or would not want in end-of-life situations.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): This form is a medical order that specifies a patient's wishes regarding treatments at the end of life. Unlike a DNR, POLST documents a broader array of preferences, including resuscitation, hospitalization, and use of antibiotics.
• Hospital Discharge Instructions: When a patient leaves the hospital, they often receive discharge instructions. These documents are critical for ensuring continuity of care and may include important information regarding follow-up appointments, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
• Medication Administration Record (MAR): This record tracks the administration of medications to a patient. It lists dosages, times, and any specific instructions for medications, ensuring that healthcare providers have a clear understanding of the patient's healthcare regimen.

These documents collectively support individuals in expressing their healthcare wishes, enabling healthcare providers to deliver care that aligns with those preferences. Having these forms organized and readily available can significantly ease healthcare decision-making during critical moments.

The Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) form is often compared to the Living Will. Both documents serve the purpose of outlining an individual’s preferences regarding medical treatments in the event of incapacitation. A Living Will allows individuals to specify their desires regarding various medical interventions, such as life-sustaining treatments, whereas a DNR specifically addresses the refusal of resuscitation efforts during cardiac or respiratory arrest. Both documents are crucial for ensuring that an individual's health care wishes are respected when they are unable to communicate them directly.

Another document similar to the DNR is the Medical Power of Attorney. This legal document designates a trusted individual to make medical decisions on behalf of someone who is unable to do so. Like a DNR, it focuses on medical care and treatment preferences. However, while a DNR specifically addresses resuscitation, the Medical Power of Attorney allows for broader decision-making authority regarding all aspects of medical treatment and care, encompassing a range of health situations.

The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form also shares similarities with the Texas DNR. POLST is designed for individuals with serious health conditions and offers clear medical orders that healthcare providers must follow. While the DNR form indicates a desire not to receive resuscitation, the POLST form can cover a wider array of medical interventions, including preferences for feeding tubes, antibiotics, and other life-sustaining treatments.

The Advance Directive is another related document. An Advance Directive encompasses both a Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney, providing a comprehensive overview of an individual's medical care wishes. While a DNR focuses specifically on resuscitation, an Advance Directive can address a broader range of medical scenarios, ensuring that an individual’s healthcare wishes are documented and followed.

Patient Characteristics form also bears similarity to the DNR process. It typically gathers information about a patient’s medical history and current health status. While it does not set forth specific treatment decisions, it aids healthcare providers in making informed choices about appropriate treatments, including considerations around resuscitation efforts. This document helps ensure that individual health details are taken into account by medical professionals.

In some cases, a Healthcare Proxy serves similar purposes. This document appoints someone to make health care decisions based on a person's wishes. While it does not specifically address resuscitation requests, it plays a critical role in providing guidance concerning a person's overall healthcare preferences. The Healthcare Proxy can complement the information provided in a DNR, ensuring that the appointed individual is aware of the person's wishes regarding resuscitation.

The Comfort Care Order is also comparable. It prioritizes comfort and symptom management over aggressive medical treatments. While a DNR specifically forbids resuscitation, a Comfort Care Order emphasizes the importance of providing comfort measures rather than invasive procedures. This approach aligns with the underlying goals of the DNR, focusing on quality of life as opposed to mere prolongation of life through medical interventions.

Similarly, the Do Not Intubate Order (DNI) is intimately related to the DNR. This order specifies that a patient should not be intubated to assist with breathing if they experience respiratory failure. While the DNR deals specifically with cardiac arrest situations, the DNI strengthens an individual’s wish to avoid invasive procedures when unable to breathe adequately, thus aligning closely in terms of end-of-life care preferences.

Lastly, the Burial Instructions document also has relevance. Although significantly different in nature, it can provide insight into an individual’s overall wishes regarding their healthcare and afterlife choices. It does not directly address medical interventions or resuscitation, but having such instructions helps family members and healthcare providers understand the person's values and preferences during critical health moments.

When filling out the Texas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it is essential to approach the process thoughtfully. Here are nine important things to consider, both what to do and what to avoid.

• Do ensure that the form is signed by you and a qualified physician.
• Don’t leave any sections of the form blank, as incomplete forms may not be honored.
• Do discuss your wishes with family members and your healthcare team before finalizing the form.
• Don’t assume that verbal instructions are sufficient; always use the written form.
• Do keep a copy of the signed DNR Order in a place that is easily accessible.
• Don’t forget to provide a copy to your healthcare provider and hospital, as this ensures it will be followed during emergencies.
• Do review the DNR Order regularly to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
• Don’t ignore state-specific conditions or requirements; ensure you follow Texas laws regarding DNRs.
• Do consider speaking with an attorney if you have questions about the implications of the DNR Order.

Being informed and thorough in this process will help ensure that your healthcare preferences are respected during critical situations.

• Misconception 1: A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) means that the patient will not receive any medical care.

  This is incorrect. A DNR specifically applies only to the use of resuscitation methods such as CPR. Patients with a DNR can still receive all other forms of medical treatment.

• Misconception 2: Only terminally ill patients can request a DNR.

  While DNRs are often associated with terminal illnesses, any patient who wishes to forgo resuscitative efforts can request one. This includes individuals with serious, chronic health issues.

• Misconception 3: A DNR has to be signed only in a hospital.

  A DNR order can be signed in various settings, not just hospitals. It can be established at a doctor's office or even at home, depending on the patient's wishes and circumstances.

• Misconception 4: A DNR is permanent and cannot be changed.

  This is false. Patients can update or revoke their DNR orders at any time, as their medical situation or personal preferences change.

• Misconception 5: A DNR affects other emergency medical services.

  Emergency medical technicians and paramedics must still provide all appropriate care, except for resuscitation. They will stabilize a patient in other ways as needed.

• Misconception 6: A DNR decision is made by family members, not the patient.

  While family input can be valuable, the decision to request a DNR should primarily come from the patient themselves, assuming they are capable of making that decision.

• Misconception 7: A DNR means doctors will not do anything to help the patient.

  Doctors will continue to provide care that aligns with the patient’s medical treatment goals. A DNR only indicates a preference against the use of specific resuscitation methods.

• Misconception 8: A DNR is only for older adults.

  This misconception is misleading. People of any age can have a DNR order if they have a serious medical condition or if they choose to decline resuscitation, making it relevant across different age groups.

Understanding the Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) form is crucial for individuals who want to express their wishes regarding end-of-life medical treatment. Here are some key takeaways that can help you navigate the process effectively:

• The Texas DNR form must be signed by a physician, indicating that the patient has a serious medical condition and wishes to forgo resuscitation efforts.
• It is vital for the individual or their legal representative to fully understand the implications of signing the DNR; decisions on life-sustaining procedures are permanent.
• The completed form should be easily accessible in case of a medical emergency, ideally kept in a prominent place, such as on the refrigerator or in the patient’s medical file.
• It’s important to communicate your wishes to family members and healthcare providers. Open discussions can help avoid confusion during critical moments.
• The DNR form does not prevent other forms of medical treatment; it specifically applies to resuscitation efforts, and other medical interventions may still be provided as necessary.

By being informed and prepared, individuals can ensure their healthcare preferences are respected and understood in accordance with their wishes.