Printable Do Not Resuscitate Order Document for the State of Florida

Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order - Usage Guidelines

In Florida, preparing a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a crucial step for individuals who wish to make clear their preferences regarding resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. This form is a legal document that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR or other resuscitative techniques. Filling out this form is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail to ensure that your wishes are clearly documented and legally binding. Follow these steps to complete the Florida DNR Order form correctly.

1. Gather Required Information: Before starting, make sure you have all necessary information, including the full name, date of birth, and address of the person for whom the DNR Order is being prepared.
2. Access the Form: Obtain the latest version of the Florida DNR Order form from the Florida Department of Health's website or a local healthcare provider.
3. Fill Out Patient Details: In the designated section, enter the patient's full name, date of birth, and address accurately.
4. Read Instructions Carefully: Review any instructions provided on the form to ensure that each section is completed according to the specified requirements.
5. Signature Requirements: The form must be signed by the patient, or if the patient is unable to sign, a legal representative can sign on their behalf. Make sure the signature is witnessed by two individuals, who must also sign the form.
6. Consult a Physician: The DNR Order must be discussed with a licensed physician, who also needs to sign and date the form, confirming the patient’s decision and medical condition.
7. Copy and Distribute: Once completed and signed, make several copies of the form. Keep the original in a safe but accessible place, and provide copies to family members, healthcare proxies, and primary doctors.
8. Review Periodically: It’s wise to review and, if necessary, update the DNR Order periodically, especially if there is a significant change in the medical condition or personal wishes of the individual it concerns.

By carefully following these steps, you can ensure that your or your loved one's preferences regarding resuscitation are clearly documented and will be respected. Remember, this form is a critical document for those who choose not to undergo attempts at resuscitation in life-threatening situations. Proper completion and distribution are essential to its effectiveness.

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

A Florida DNRO form is a legal document that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's breathing stops or if their heart stops beating. It is used to respect the wishes of individuals who do not want life-sustaining measures taken in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Who can request a Do Not Resuscitate Order in Florida?

Any competent adult can request a DNRO for themselves. For minors or adults unable to make their own medical decisions, a legal guardian, healthcare surrogate, or power of attorney may request the order on their behalf.

How can one obtain a Florida DNRO form?

The Florida DNRO form can be obtained from a healthcare provider, the Florida Department of Health's website, or by consulting with an attorney who specializes in healthcare law. The form must be filled out correctly and signed by the requesting party and a physician, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or physician assistant (PA).

Is the Florida DNRO form valid in other states?

While some states have agreements that recognize out-of-state DNROs, there is no guarantee that a Florida DNRO will be honored in every state. People planning to travel or move should consult with legal professionals or healthcare providers in their destination state to understand its policies and ensure their wishes are respected.

What happens if a person changes their mind after completing a DNRO form?

Individuals can revoke their DNRO at any time, in any manner that demonstrates intent to reverse the decision. This could involve physically destroying the form, verbally informing healthcare providers of the decision to revoke, or completing a new healthcare directive form that contradicts the DNRO's instructions.

Are there any specific renewal requirements for a DNRO in Florida?

No, once a Florida DNRO form is properly completed and signed, it does not expire. However, it's advised that individuals review their DNRO regularly and consult with their healthcare provider to ensure it still reflects their current wishes. Any changes in health condition or preferences may necessitate completing a new DNRO form.

When filling out the Florida Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, individuals often encounter a range of challenges that can lead to mistakes. These errors can have significant implications, affecting the validity of the document and potentially the medical care received. Below are four common mistakes made during this process:

1. Failing to ensure that the form is signed by the required parties. For the DNR order to be considered valid, it must be signed by the patient or their legal representative, as well as the attending physician. The absence of any required signature can render the document void and unenforceable.

2. Using an incorrect or outdated form. The State of Florida periodically updates the DNR order form to reflect current laws and regulations. Utilizing an outdated version may lead to a lack of recognition by medical personnel or legal authorities.

3. Providing incomplete or inaccurate patient information. It is crucial that the patient's full legal name, date of birth, and other pertinent details are accurately recorded on the form. Mistakes in patient identification can lead to confusion and possible non-implementation of the DNR order in emergency situations.

4. Not adequately discussing the decision with a healthcare provider. Before completing a DNR order, it is advisable for patients or their legal representatives to have a detailed discussion with a healthcare provider. This conversation should cover the implications, benefits, and potential consequences of a DNR order. Failure to have this discussion can result in misunderstandings about the patient's wishes and the scope of the DNR order.

In summary, careful attention to detail and adherence to state requirements are critical when filling out the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order form. Avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure that the individual's medical care preferences are respected and legally recognized.

When discussing advance care planning, particularly in the context of a Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR Order), it's important to recognize that this document is part of a broader suite of legal tools used to guide medical treatment preferences. A DNR specifically addresses the desire not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. However, individuals often use additional forms and documents to provide a more comprehensive plan for their healthcare, ensuring their wishes are respected across different scenarios. Below are some of these crucial documents often used alongside a DNR Order:

• Living Will: This document allows an individual to state their preferences about end-of-life medical care in case they become unable to communicate their desires. It can include decisions about the use of life-sustaining treatments or procedures that prolong life.
• Health Care Surrogate Designation: This appoints a representative to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual if they are incapacitated. This includes decisions beyond the scope of a DNR Order, covering a wide range of medical treatments.
• Power of Attorney: A broader form than the Health Care Surrogate Designation, a Power of Attorney can grant an agent the authority to make not only healthcare decisions but also financial, legal, and personal decisions.
• Anatomical Donation Form: Individuals who wish to donate their organs, tissues, or body for transplantation or research may use this form to indicate their consent.
• Pre-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Order: Similar to a DNR Order but specifically designed for emergency medical services and first responders before hospital admittance.
• Living Trust: A living trust helps manage an individual's assets during their lifetime and distribute them after their death. A living trust can include provisions for healthcare decisions if the individual becomes incapacitated.
• Five Wishes: A comprehensive document that lets individuals express their preferences about medical treatment, comfort care, personal matters, and their wishes after death. It combines elements of a Living Will and Health Care Surrogate Designation in a more personal format.

These documents collectively ensure that an individual's healthcare preferences are comprehensively covered, providing peace of mind for them and their families. While a DNR Order is critical for those who wish to decline CPR, integrating it with other forms helps ensure that all aspects of a person's health care and end-of-life decisions are honored. It's essential for individuals planning their care to consult with legal and healthcare professionals to ensure that these documents are correctly filled out, reflect their wishes, and are legally valid in their state.

• Living Will: Similar to a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, a Living Will is a document that outlines a person's preferences regarding medical treatments and interventions in situations where they are unable to make decisions for themselves. While a DNR specifically addresses the use of CPR, a Living Will can cover a broader range of medical interventions, such as the use of ventilators, artificial nutrition, and hydration.

• Healthcare Power of Attorney: This legal document designates another individual as a healthcare proxy or agent to make medical decisions on behalf of a person who is incapacitated or unable to make informed decisions. Although it serves a different purpose, it is similar to a DNR order in that it facilitates a process by which a person's healthcare wishes are respected when they cannot communicate them directly.

• Advance Healthcare Directive: An Advance Healthcare Directive combines elements of both a Living Will and a Healthcare Power of Attorney. It allows individuals to outline their medical treatment preferences and appoint a healthcare agent. Like a DNR order, it ensures that a person’s wishes regarding healthcare interventions are known and followed by healthcare providers.

• Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) or Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): These orders are similar to a DNR in that they are medical orders executed by a physician based on a patient's wishes concerning life-sustaining treatments. However, they are more comprehensive, covering treatments beyond CPR, such as intubation or antibiotic use, depending on the patient's condition and preferences.

• Five Wishes Document: This document is broader than a DNR order and serves as an advance directive that addresses personal, spiritual, and medical concerns at the end of life. It prompts individuals to express their wishes regarding the kind of medical treatment they want or don't want, their preferred living situation, how they want people to treat them, and what they want their loved ones to know.

When filling out the Florida Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it is crucial to understand both what you should do to ensure the document is legally binding and what pitfalls to avoid. This guidance helps to protect your wishes regarding resuscitation efforts. Below are lists of critical dos and don’ts to observe during this process.

Things You Should Do

1. Ensure all information is legible and accurate. This includes the patient’s full name, date of birth, and any other required personal information.
2. Have the form signed by a Florida-licensed physician. The physician’s signature is mandatory for the DNR Order to be considered valid and enforceable.
3. Discuss your wishes with your family members and healthcare providers before the form is completed. This ensures that everyone involved understands your preferences regarding resuscitation efforts.
4. Keep the original DNR Order in a readily accessible place and inform family members or close friends of its location. It’s also prudent to keep a copy with you or in your medical records.

Things You Shouldn't Do

• Do not fill out the form without thoroughly understanding its implications. If you have questions, consult with a healthcare provider or legal advisor.
• Do not use pencil or erasable ink. All entries should be made using permanent ink to ensure that the document remains unchanged and legible over time.
• Do not leave any required fields blank. Incomplete forms may not be recognized by medical personnel or could lead to confusion about your wishes.
• Do not forget to review and update the DNR Order as necessary. Changes in health status or personal preferences may require adjustments to the document.

Despite its importance in medical and emergency scenarios, the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) is often misunderstood. Let's clarify some common misconceptions, shedding light on what DNR truly represents for individuals and their families.

• Misconception 1: A DNR applies to all medical treatments.
  A DNR specifically addresses the withholding of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. It does not apply to other medical interventions, such as pain management, antibiotic use, or nutrition.
• Misconception 2: Only the elderly or terminally ill can have a DNR.
  People of any age and health status can opt for a DNR based on personal, medical, or religious reasons. The choice should reflect the individual’s wishes regarding end-of-life care.
• Misconception 3: A verbal request is sufficient to enforce a DNR.
  In Florida, a DNR must be documented on a specific form provided by the Department of Health, signed by the patient (or their legal representative) and a physician. Oral requests are not legally binding.
• Misconception 4: A DNR is permanent and cannot be revoked.
  A DNR order can be revoked at any time by the person who initiated it. Revocation can be as simple as destroying the DNR form or informing medical personnel verbally or in writing.
• Misconception 5: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel will not provide care if a DNR is present.
  EMS personnel will still offer comfort measures, oxygen, and transportation to the hospital if needed. The DNR solely prohibits the use of CPR.
• Misconception 6: A DNR order affects the quality of hospital care.
  A DNR order does not impact the quality of treatment a patient receives in the hospital. It specifically guides actions in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest, not other treatments or care.
• Misconception 7: Having a DNR means you do not need a healthcare surrogate.
  A healthcare surrogate decision-maker is crucial for making healthcare decisions if you’re unable to do so yourself. This role complements a DNR by addressing medical treatments outside the scope of resuscitation.
• Misconception 8: A DNR is only valid in the hospital where it was created.
  A Florida DNR is valid in any healthcare setting within the state, including hospitals, nursing homes, and in the care of EMS, as long as it is presented upon request.
• Misconception 9: DNR orders are automatically transferred between states.
  Laws regarding DNR orders vary by state. A Florida DNR may not be recognized in another state, so it's important to know and understand the requirements of the state you are in.
• Misconception 10: You must consult a lawyer to create a DNR.
  While legal advice can be beneficial, especially in complex situations, anyone can create a DNR by completing the Florida-approved form with their physician. Legal consultation is not a prerequisite.

Understanding these misconceptions can demystify the DNR process, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care preferences. Knowledge empowers individuals and their families to navigate these sensitive choices with confidence and clarity.

The Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) form is a critical document for individuals who wish to refuse the initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event their heart stops or they stop breathing. Understanding how to properly complete and use this form is essential for ensuring one's wishes are honored. Here are five key takeaways about filling out and using the Florida DNR form:

• Physician's Signature is Mandatory: A licensed Florida physician must sign the DNR form for it to be valid. The physician's signature confirms their discussion with the patient or the patient’s legal representative about the decision to refuse CPR.
• Correct Form Must Be Used: The Florida Department of Health provides the official DNR form, which must be used. Copies of the form are accepted, but they must be clear and legible. The form is distinguishable by its yellow paper, although color is not required for validity.
• Carry the Form with You: To ensure the DNR order is followed, it's crucial to keep the form readily available. For it to be honored by healthcare providers, emergency responders must be able to see and read the form easily during an emergency.
• Inform Family Members and Caregivers: Discuss your decision to have a DNR order with family members and caregivers. This helps prevent confusion in emergency situations and ensures that your wishes are understood and respected by all parties involved.
• Review and Update as Necessary: Your healthcare needs and decisions may change over time. Regularly reviewing your DNR order and discussing it with your physician ensures it still reflects your current wishes. If you decide to revoke the order, it is essential to inform all relevant parties, including your healthcare provider and family.