Decisions about future medical care can be difficult to discuss. For many people, the words “Do Not Resuscitate” bring uncertainty, fear, or questions about what care they will receive.
Having a DNR in place begins with understanding the decision you are making. It also means discussing your wishes with your medical providers and loved ones and making sure the appropriate documentation is available when needed.
What Does a DNR Actually Mean?
A Do Not Resuscitate order, commonly called a DNR, is a medical order directing health care providers not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, if your heart stops beating or you stop breathing.
A DNR addresses resuscitation. By itself, it does not direct providers to withhold other treatments, such as medication, nutrition, or pain relief. Decisions about those treatments require their own discussion with your health care team.
Understanding that distinction can help you ask more specific questions: What treatment would I receive if I became seriously ill? What would keep me comfortable? How would my medical condition affect the likely outcome of CPR?
How Is a DNR Different From a Living Will?
Health care planning documents serve different purposes.
A living will expresses your wishes about medical care if you become unable to communicate your decisions, including preferences concerning life-prolonging procedures.
A designation of health care surrogate names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf under the terms of that document. It can also include treatment instructions.
Florida’s DNRO provides a specific instruction to emergency responders. A living will or surrogate designation should not be assumed to replace it.
Reviewing these documents together offers an opportunity to identify questions and discuss whether they accurately reflect your wishes.
Make Your Wishes Known—and Your Documents Accessible
Talk with your chosen health care surrogate and loved ones about your preferences. Give them an opportunity to ask questions and explain what matters most to you. Make sure your medical providers know about your advance directives and have current copies.
Keep your DNRO somewhere visible and readily accessible to emergency responders. A properly completed Florida DNRO does not expire, but a competent patient can revoke it. If your wishes change, notify your providers and everyone who has a copy.
Planning With Understanding
Whether a DNR is appropriate for you is a personal medical decision to discuss with your health care provider. Ask about your condition, the potential benefits and burdens of CPR, and how your preferences would affect your care.
At Yergey & Yergey, P.A., we help clients address the legal side of planning for future incapacity, including living wills and health care surrogate designations. To discuss how these documents fit into your estate plan, contact our office at (407) 843-0430.
This article is intended as a general overview and does not address every fact pattern or recent change in Florida law. Florida statutes are amended regularly; consult a Florida-licensed attorney for guidance specific to your matter.
