Attorney-Approved Do Not Resuscitate Order Form for Florida

Detailed Steps for Using Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in Florida is a legal document that communicates a person's wish not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if their heart stops or if they stop breathing. This document is crucial for ensuring that an individual's medical preferences are known and respected in critical moments. Understanding the process of filling out a Florida DNR order is the first step towards making informed decisions about end-of-life care. Below are comprehensive instructions to guide individuals or their authorized representatives through this important process.

1. Start by obtaining the most current version of the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order Form from the Florida Department of Health’s website.
2. Read the entire form carefully to make sure you understand the implications of signing a DNR order.
3. Enter the patient's full legal name, including first, middle, and last names.
4. Fill in the patient's date of birth in the format (MM/DD/YYYY).
5. If the patient has a Florida Department of Health Patient’s Identification Number, enter it in the designated space. If not, leave this section blank.
6. Provide the patient's full address, including the city, state, and ZIP code.
7. The form requires the signature of the patient, or if the patient is unable, a legally authorized representative (such as a healthcare surrogate or power of attorney) can sign on the patient’s behalf.
8. Ensure that the form includes the date of when the DNR order was signed. This indicates when the order becomes effective.
9. The attending physician's signature is also required. The physician must verify their agreement with the DNR order by signing and dating the form.
10. Finally, print the name of the physician below their signature for clarity and official purposes.

After completing these steps, the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order is considered legally valid. This document should be kept in an easily accessible location, and copies should be provided to the patient's healthcare providers, as well as any healthcare facilities where the patient receives care. It's recommended to revisit and update the DNR order as necessary, especially if the patient's health status or preferences change. Making thoughtful decisions regarding a DNR order can provide peace of mind for the patient and their loved ones, ensuring that the patient's wishes are honored during critical healthcare moments.

1. What is a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) in Florida?

   A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) is a legal document in Florida that informs medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's breathing stops or if the heart stops beating. It is intended for individuals who wish to decline life-prolonging measures in these situations.

2. Who can request a DNR order in Florida?

   Any competent adult can request a DNR order. This includes individuals with terminal conditions, irreversible conditions, or those who, for personal or medical reasons, choose not to undergo CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

3. How do you get a DNR order in Florida?

   The Florida Department of Health provides DNR order forms that must be completed. It requires the signature of the individual or their legal representative and the signature of a Florida-licensed physician, osteopathic physician, or advanced practice registered nurse to be valid.

4. Is a DNR order permanent?

   No, a DNR order is not permanent. The individual who requested it or their legal representative can cancel it at any time. Additionally, it is advisable to review and renew the DNR order periodically to ensure it reflects the individual's current wishes.

5. Where should a DNR order be kept?

   A DNR order should be kept in a location where it is easily accessible to EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and healthcare providers, such as by the bedside or in a wallet.

6. Does a DNR order affect other medical treatments?

   A DNR order only applies to CPR. It does not impact the administration of other medical treatments or pain relief. Individuals can continue to receive other forms of medical care if desired.

7. Can a DNR order be used in settings other than a hospital?

   Yes, a DNR order is applicable in any setting, including at home, in hospitals, or in assisted living facilities. EMS personnel are trained to recognize and comply with these orders outside of hospitals.

8. What is the difference between a DNR and a living will in Florida?

   A DNR order specifically addresses the use of CPR and other resuscitative measures during cardiac or respiratory arrest. A living will is a broader document that outlines a person's wishes regarding a variety of medical treatments in the event they become incapacitated and cannot communicate.

9. How can a DNR order be revoked?

   To revoke a DNR order, the individual who requested it, or their legal representative, should destroy the document and inform their healthcare providers and family members. It’s also recommended to draft a document stating the revocation to prevent confusion.

10. What if there is a disagreement about implementing a DNR order?

    It is crucial to engage in discussions with family members and healthcare providers early on about the decision to have a DNR order. If disagreements occur, it may be helpful to consult healthcare ethics committees, social workers, or legal professionals to mediate and clarify the individual’s wishes. In events of disputes, healthcare providers generally follow the most recently dated document or the patient's clear and articulated wishes when known.

The Florida Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order form is a critical legal document that instructs medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient if their heart stops beating or they stop breathing. Filling out this form accurately is essential for it to be valid and for the patient's wishes to be followed. However, mistakes can and do happen. Here are eight common mistakes people make when filling out the form:

1. Not using the current state-approved form. Florida periodically updates the DNR form to reflect new legal requirements. Using an outdated version can render the document invalid.

2. Failing to include all required patient information, such as full name, date of birth, and address. Incomplete information can lead to confusion or misidentification in emergencies.

3. Misunderstanding the scope of the DNR, resulting in failure to discuss it fully with healthcare providers and family members. This mistake can lead to unexpected outcomes and family disputes.

4. Patient's signature missing. The patient, or their legal representative if the patient is incapacitated, must sign the form. Without this signature, the form is not legally binding.

5. Not having the form witnessed and signed by the appropriate authority, such as a notary public or an eligible witness as defined by state law. This oversight can question the document's legitimacy.

6. Physician's signature or details missing. A licensed physician must sign the DNR for it to be valid. The form should also include the physician's license number and contact information.

7. Failure to communicate and issue multiple copies of the signed and correctly completed form to family members and healthcare providers, leading to potential unavailability when needed.

8. Not reviewing and updating the form as required. A DNR order should be revisited periodically and especially after any significant changes in the patient's health status or personal wishes.

Ensuring that these errors are avoided is paramount for the DNR order to effectively communicate a person's end-of-life wishes regarding resuscitation. Families and patients are encouraged to seek guidance from healthcare providers or legal professionals when completing this critical document.

In Florida, when considering end-of-life planning, many individuals and their families think beyond just a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order. Along with a DNR, several other forms and documents play crucial roles in ensuring an individual's healthcare wishes are known and respected. These documents complement a DNR Order by covering a broad range of medical and personal decisions.

• Living Will - This document specifies an individual’s preferences for medical treatment in situations where they are unable to communicate their wishes, especially regarding life-prolonging procedures.
• Health Care Surrogate Designation - This form allows an individual to appoint someone else (a surrogate) to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.
• Power of Attorney - A legal document granting another person the authority to make decisions on one’s behalf, which can include financial matters in addition to health care decisions.
• Living Trust - This document creates a legal entity (the trust) that holds property and assets for the benefit of the person who created it, often including instructions for health care and the distribution of assets.
• Will - A will outlines how an individual’s assets and estate will be distributed after their death. While not directly related to healthcare decisions, it is an essential component of end-of-life planning.
• Organ and Tissue Donation Registration - This is a form that allows individuals to express their wishes regarding organ donation upon death.
• Pre-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Order - Specific to Florida, this document is an orange form indicating that emergency medical services should not perform CPR. It is similar to a DNR but is specifically designed for emergency medical personnel.

Collectively, these documents ensure comprehensive planning that addresses various aspects of an individual’s healthcare and personal wishes. They serve to guide families and healthcare providers, ensuring that decisions align with the individual’s values and desires. Having these documents in place can provide peace of mind to both the individual and their loved ones.

• A Living Will outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they're unable to communicate their decisions. It's similar to a Do Not Resuscitate Order as both documents provide directives for healthcare providers about the course of treatment, ensuring that the patient's preferences are observed, particularly regarding life-sustaining measures.

• A Medical Power of Attorney appoints a specific person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient if they're incapacitated. This is parallel to a Do Not Resuscitate Order because both involve making critical medical decisions ahead of time, ensuring that the patient's healthcare wishes are respected when they cannot express them.

• A Health Care Proxy is a type of medical power of attorney specific to healthcare decisions. Like a Do Not Resuscitate Order, it activates when the patient is unable to make their own medical choices, serving to guide healthcare professionals based on the patient's prior indicated preferences.

• An Advance Directive is an umbrella term that covers any document providing instructions about a person’s healthcare wishes, should they become unable to make decisions for themselves. It is similar to a Do Not Resuscitate Order in that both offer guidance regarding medical treatment preferences in advance.

• A Durable Power of Attorney allows someone to make decisions on another's behalf, not limited to healthcare. This can be similar to a Do Not Resuscitate Order since it may encompass decisions about life-sustaining treatment if specified, ensuring the individual’s wishes are followed.

• A Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form specifies what types of life-sustaining treatment a patient wants towards the end of life. Like a Do Not Resuscitate Order, a POLST is designed to ensure that healthcare professionals understand and respect the patient’s wishes concerning life-sustaining procedures.

When filling out the Florida Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it is important to follow a set of guidelines to ensure the document is legally binding and accurately reflects the wishes of the individual. Below are key dos and don'ts to consider:

• Ensure the person filling out the form is legally capable of making health care decisions for themselves or has proper authorization if filling it out on behalf of someone else.
• Use blue or black ink to ensure the form’s legibility and to distinguish the original document from copies.
• Include all required personal information accurately, such as the full legal name, date of birth, and address to prevent any confusion regarding the individual’s identity.
• Have the form signed by a Florida-licensed physician, as their signature is needed to validate the order.
• Discuss the implications of a DNR order with a healthcare provider to ensure the individual fully understands the consequences of signing the document.

• Leave any sections incomplete, as missing information can lead to the DNR order being considered invalid.
• Sign the form without the presence of two witnesses, as their signatures are required to attest to the voluntary nature of the decision.
• Forget to review and update the form periodically or when the individual’s health condition changes, to ensure it still reflects their current wishes.
• Fail to distribute copies of the completed form to relevant parties, including the individual’s primary care physician, close family members, and health care proxy, if appointed.

When discussing the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) form, several misconceptions frequently arise. It’s essential to understand the realities to ensure individuals make informed decisions that align with their wishes regarding life-saving treatments.

• Misconception 1: A DNR is applicable in all medical situations. In reality, a DNR specifically applies to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. It does not apply to other treatments or interventions a patient may need.

• Misconception 2: Anyone can create a DNR order on behalf of a patient. A DNR order must be completed by a competent adult or their legal representative. Additionally, it requires a healthcare provider's signature to be valid.

• Misconception 3: A DNR is permanent and cannot be changed. Patients or their legal representatives can revoke or modify a DNR order at any time. The patient’s preferences should always guide the use of a DNR.

• Misconception 4: DNR orders ensure a patient will die if they stop breathing or their heart stops. A DNR order does not guarantee a patient will not survive a cardiac or respiratory arrest; rather, it guides healthcare providers not to initiate CPR in these situations. Other factors can influence the outcome.

• Misconception 5: The DNR form needs to be notarized to be valid. Florida law does not require notarization for a DNR order. However, it must be completed correctly and contain the healthcare provider's signature to be effective.

• Misconception 6: A DNR order is the same as a living will. A DNR order and a living will are distinct legal documents. A living will communicates a person’s wishes regarding various types of life-prolonging treatments, while a DNR specifically relates to the non-initiation of CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Navigating the process of filling out a Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form involves understanding a few critical steps and considerations. Here are key takeaways:

• The DNRO form must be completed for individuals who wish not to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event that their heart stops or they stop breathing. This form indicates to medical professionals their decision not to have lifesaving measures initiated.
• It is crucial that the individual, or their legally authorized representative if the individual is unable to do so, signs the form. This signature is a testament to their informed decision and understanding of what the DNRO order signifies.
• Signature verification by a physician is mandatory for the DNRO to be considered valid. The physician's signature indicates that they have discussed the DNRO's implications with the patient or the patient's representative and agree with the patient's decision.
• The form must be printed on yellow paper if it is to be utilized in a clinical setting. This specific color helps healthcare providers easily recognize the document in emergency situations.
• A DNRO form is not permanent and can be revoked at any time by the individual or their authorized representative. Revocation can be done in various ways, including physically destroying the form or expressing the desire to nullify it verbally.
• It's important for individuals to communicate their decision to have a DNRO with family members and healthcare providers to ensure that their wishes are respected.
• The DNRO form should be kept in a location that is both accessible and known to family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Common places include the refrigerator door or with other important medical documents.
• In the case of emergency medical services (EMS) being called to the home, displaying the DNRO form prominently can assist in communicating the individual's wishes to paramedics or emergency healthcare providers swiftly.

Comprehensibly understanding and properly executing the Florida DNRO form ensures that individuals receive medical treatment that aligns with their personal desires and health care goals.