Attorney-Approved Do Not Resuscitate Order Form for Tennessee

Detailed Steps for Using Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate Order

Filling out a Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a serious and personal decision that involves specifying your wishes regarding emergency medical care. This form is used to instruct healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your breathing stops or if your heart stops beating. It's important to discuss this decision with your loved ones and healthcare provider to ensure your wishes are clearly understood and respected. Below are the steps needed to complete the Tennessee DNR Order form accurately.

1. Gather personal information, including your full legal name, date of birth, and address. This identifies you as the individual to whom the DNR Order applies.
2. Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your health status and the implications of a DNR Order. Your healthcare provider must certify that you have been fully informed about the nature and consequences of the DNR Order.
3. Complete the patient section of the form with your personal information and your decision regarding the DNR Order. Make sure to read each section carefully to understand what you are agreeing to.
4. Sign and date the form in the presence of a witness. The witness must be someone who is 18 years of age or older and should not be a beneficiary of your estate.
5. Have your healthcare provider review the completed form. They must then sign and date the form, indicating their agreement with your decision and their certification of your health status and understanding of the DNR Order.
6. Keep the original form in a place where it can be easily found by family members or healthcare providers. A copy should also be given to your primary healthcare provider to be included in your medical records.
7. Inform your family, close friends, and anyone who might be involved in your care about the existence of the DNR Order and where the original document is stored.

Completing a Tennessee DNR Order is a process that ensures your wishes are known and can be followed in an emergency situation. It is a legally binding document that healthcare providers are required to follow, so it's crucial that it is filled out clearly and accurately. By taking these steps, you can be reassured that your preferences regarding emergency medical treatment are respected.

1. What is a Do Not Resuscitate Order in Tennessee?

   A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) in Tennessee is a legal document that tells medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's breathing stops or if their heart stops beating. This order is used when someone has a terminal illness or is at the end of life and chooses not to have measures taken to restart their heart or breathing.

2. How can someone obtain a DNR order in Tennessee?

   To obtain a DNR order in Tennessee, a person must discuss their healthcare wishes with a licensed physician. The physician, upon agreeing that a DNR order is appropriate given the patient's health condition, will fill out and sign the official Tennessee DNR form. It's important for the person or their legal representative to also sign the form, acknowledging their agreement to the DNR order.

3. Is a DNR order the same as a living will?

   No, a DNR order is not the same as a living will. A living will is a broader document that can include a variety of end-of-life care instructions, such as preferences regarding ventilation, artificial hydration, and nutrition. A DNR specifically relates to the refusal of CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

4. Can a DNR order be revoked?

   Yes, a DNR order can be revoked at any time by the individual for whom it was issued, or their legally authorized representative. Revocation can be done by physically destroying the DNR document, verbally informing healthcare providers of the decision to revoke, or by any other act demonstrating a clear intention to revoke the order.

5. What happens if medical staff is not aware of a person's DNR order?

   If medical staff is not aware of a person's DNR order, they are likely to perform CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. To ensure that a DNR order is followed, it should be readily available and shared with all healthcare providers, including hospital staff and emergency responders. Wearing a DNR bracelet or necklace and keeping a copy of the order with personal identification can also help ensure the order is recognized and respected.

6. Does having a DNR order affect the quality of care received?

   Having a DNR order should not affect the quality of care one receives. It simply directs healthcare providers not to perform CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. Patients with a DNR order will still receive all other appropriate treatments and interventions to manage symptoms and maintain comfort.

7. Can a minor have a DNR order in Tennessee?

   Yes, minors can have a DNR order in Tennessee, but the process requires consent from a parent or legal guardian. The attending physician must discuss the minor's condition and the implications of a DNR order with the parent or guardian, ensuring they understand the decision.

Filling out a Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form requires attention to detail. Here are ten mistakes people often make when completing this crucial document:

1. Not verifying patient information: It's essential to double-check the patient's name, date of birth, and other personal information for accuracy. Errors in this section can invalidate the order.

2. Overlooking physician signature: A DNR order must be signed by a licensed physician to be valid. Sometimes, the form is submitted without this critical signature.

3. Failing to discuss the order with the patient or their legal representative: The decision should be made after a thorough discussion with the patient or their designated health care decision-maker, and this mistake might indicate a lack of informed consent.

4. Misunderstanding the scope of the DNR: Some individuals mistakenly believe that a DNR order covers more than cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It's important to understand and communicate that it does not affect other treatments.

5. Incorrect date or undated forms: Every DNR order must be correctly dated to indicate when the order was given. Missing or incorrect dates can cause confusion regarding the order's validity.

6. Omitting patient or legal representative’s signature: If the patient is mentally competent and of legal age, their signature is required on the form. In cases where the patient is unable to sign, a legal representative’s signature is necessary. This omission can question the consent to the DNR.

7. Not specifying conditions: While not always mandatory, specifying under what conditions the DNR order applies can clarify the patient's wishes and prevent misapplication of the order.

8. Ignoring state-specific requirements: Each state has unique requirements for DNR orders. Failing to adhere to Tennessee's specific rules can render the document ineffective.

9. Forgetting to renew the order: DNR orders may need to be reviewed and renewed periodically. Neglecting this can lead to an expired order, which health care providers cannot honor.

10. Not distributing copies of the form: It's crucial to provide copies of the completed DNR order to all relevant parties, including the patient, their family, and healthcare providers. Failing to do so can result in the order not being followed in an emergency.

Understanding and avoiding these mistakes can ensure that a Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate Order accurately reflects the patient's wishes and is implemented correctly.

In Tennessee, the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a crucial document for patients who decide, in consultation with their healthcare provider, against the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event their heart or breathing stops. This form is part of a broader discussion and documentation concerning end-of-life wishes. To ensure these wishes are clearly understood and respected, several other documents are often used alongside the DNR Order form. Understanding each document's purpose can empower individuals and their loved ones to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

• Advance Directive for Health Care: This legal document allows an individual to outline their healthcare preferences, including decisions about life support, should they be unable to communicate their wishes in the future.
• Living Will: Similar to an advance directive, a living will specifically addresses an individual's preferences regarding end-of-life care and treatments they do or do not want to receive.
• Medical Power of Attorney (POA): Designates a person, often called a healthcare proxy or agent, to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual if they are incapacitated or otherwise unable to make decisions for themselves.
• Five Wishes Document: Goes beyond traditional medical concerns to address personal, emotional, and spiritual needs, helping guide loved ones and healthcare providers in making care decisions that align with the patient’s values and desires.
• Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST): Similar to a DNR, this form includes broader orders about the types of treatment a patient wants or does not want at the end of life, beyond just CPR.
• Polst Form (Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): Essentially similar to POST and can include DNR orders but is designed to follow the patient across different care settings.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Authorization Form: Authorizes the disclosure of an individual's health information to designated parties, ensuring family members or designated proxies can discuss the patient’s condition and treatment options with healthcare providers.
• Emergency Medical Information Form: Provides first responders and emergency healthcare providers with critical information, such as existing conditions, medications, allergies, and a patient’s DNR status.
• Hospital Discharge Form: While not specific to end-of-life care, this document includes vital information about a patient’s hospital stay, treatments received, and care instructions for recovery or continuing care at home or another facility.
• Organ and Tissue Donation Form: Allows individuals to specify their wishes regarding organ and tissue donation after death, which is important to discuss with family and include in end-of-life planning.

Together, these documents form a comprehensive approach to healthcare planning, reflecting a broad spectrum of care decisions and considerations. They serve to ensure that an individual’s healthcare wishes are known, respected, and followed, particularly in moments when the individual cannot speak for themselves. Anyone considering completing a DNR Order should consider these additional documents as part of thorough healthcare and end-of-life planning. Conversations with healthcare providers and legal professionals can provide valuable guidance in completing these forms in accordance with the individual's wishes and state laws.

• Living Will: This document, similar to a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences, including life support and other life-sustaining treatments, in the event that they are unable to communicate their decisions. Both serve to ensure that a person's medical treatment preferences are honored.

• Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy): This legal instrument also shares similarities with a DNR Order by enabling an individual to appoint another person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf should they become incapacitated. The designee can be instructed to enforce a DNR Order, reinforcing the individual's wishes regarding resuscitation and other treatments.

• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): Much like a DNR, a POLST is intended for seriously ill individuals and goes beyond a DNR by providing detailed instructions about other types of medical interventions they want or don't want. It is a physician's order that is typically signed by both the doctor and the patient.

• Advance Directive: An Advance Directive is a broader term that encompasses various legal documents, including DNR Orders and living wills. It allows individuals to specify their preferences for end-of-life care ahead of time. While a DNR specifically addresses the issue of resuscitation, an Advance Directive covers a wider range of medical treatments and decisions.

• Five Wishes Document: This unique document acts much like an Advance Directive but places a significant emphasis on the patient's personal, emotional, and spiritual needs in addition to their medical wishes. Like a DNR, it helps communicate the individual’s desires regarding medical treatment but in a more holistic manner.

• Last Will and Testament: Although primarily used for the distribution of an individual's estate after their death, a Last Will and Testament shares the concept of preparing for the future with a DNR. Both are preventive measures that specify wishes to be executed upon the individual's incapacity or death, ensuring their preferences are respected and followed.

• Emergency Medical Information Form: This document, often carried by individuals with chronic conditions, allergies, or special treatment requirements, provides critical information to emergency medical personnel. Similar to a DNR, it informs healthcare providers about specific medical interventions that should or should not be performed in an emergency situation.

• Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Order: Specifically designed for emergency situations occurring outside of a hospital setting, this form directly relates to a DNR by indicating that the individual does not wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if they are found in cardiac or respiratory arrest. It is similar to a DNR but is tailored for non-hospital environments.

Completing the Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order Form requires careful attention to detail to ensure the instructions are clearly communicated and legally effective. The following are important do’s and don’ts to consider:

Do's:

• Verify that the patient or their legally authorized representative fully understands the implications of a DNR order.
• Ensure that the form is filled out completely, leaving no required fields blank.
• Double-check that the patient's name, date of birth, and other personal information are accurately recorded to avoid any confusion.
• Obtain the required signatures, including that of the patient or their legally authorized representative and the attending physician.
• Date the form at the time of signing to establish the order's validity period.
• Keep a copy of the completed DNR order in an easily accessible place for both the patient and healthcare providers.
• Discuss the DNR order with close family members or caregivers to ensure that they are aware of the patient's wishes.

Don'ts:

• Do not fill out the form without the consent and understanding of the patient, unless the legal representative is making decisions on behalf of an incapacitated patient.
• Avoid using ambiguous language that could lead to misinterpretation of the patient's wishes.
• Do not leave signature fields blank, as this could invalidate the form.
• Do not forget to review and renew the order as necessary, particularly if the patient's condition changes.
• Avoid keeping the DNR order in a place where it cannot be easily found in an emergency.
• Do not assume that family members are aware of the DNR order if they have not been directly informed.
• Do not force or unduly influence the patient into choosing a DNR status against their wishes.

When it comes to navigating the healthcare landscape, understanding the specifics of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Tennessee is vital. However, there are numerous misconceptions that can lead to confusion. Let's clarify some of these common misunderstandings.

• Any doctor can sign a DNR order for a patient. Only the patient's attending physician can sign a DNR order, ensuring it aligns with the patient's wishes and medical condition.
• A DNR order affects all medical treatments. A DNR specifically addresses CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and does not refuse other forms of medical treatment, such as pain management or respiratory support.
• DNR orders are only for the elderly. DNR orders are considered for patients of any age whose health condition suggests that CPR would not be successful or would not contribute to a quality of life they deem acceptable.
• The patient must sign the DNR order. If a patient is unable to make their own healthcare decisions, a legally authorized representative, such as a power of attorney for healthcare, can consent to a DNR order on their behalf.
• A DNR order is permanent. A DNR order can be revoked by the patient or their legally authorized representative at any time, ensuring that patient autonomy is respected.
• DNR orders are immediately active once signed. The order becomes active once it is placed in the patient's medical record and communicated to the healthcare team, not merely upon signing.
• Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will not provide any care if a DNR is present. EMTs will still provide all necessary care except for CPR in the presence of a valid DNR order.
• All hospitals honor DNR orders from other states. While many do, it's important to verify with the specific hospital in Tennessee. Laws and recognition can vary from state to state.
• A DNR order must be notarized to be valid. In Tennessee, a DNR order does not need to be notarized; it just needs to be signed by the attending physician to be legally valid.
• A verbal DNR is enough for emergency personnel. While verbal DNR orders may be respected in a hospital setting when communicated by the attending physician, emergency services personnel require a written order to act upon it.

Understanding these ten points thoroughly clarifies the nature and scope of DNR orders in Tennessee, helping patients and their families make informed decisions about their end-of-life care wishes.

Understanding how to properly complete and utilize the Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is crucial for ensuring that a person's wishes regarding end-of-life care are respected. Here are six key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Consent is Key: Before filling out the form, it's essential that the patient or their legally authorized representative consents to the DNR order. This consent should be given freely and with a clear understanding of what a DNR order entails.

• Physician's Role: A licensed physician must sign the DNR order for it to be valid. This signature indicates that the physician has discussed the implications of a DNR order with the patient or their representative and agrees with the decision.

• Clarity is Crucial: The form must be filled out clearly and completely to ensure that there is no confusion about the patient's desires. Ambiguities in the form can lead to unwanted interventions or, conversely, the withholding of desired treatment.

• Wide Distribution: It's important to ensure that copies of the completed DNR order are readily available. A copy should be present with the patient, in their medical records, and with any caretakers or family members who might be present in an emergency situation.

• Review and Revision: The DNR order should be reviewed periodically, especially if the patient's health status changes. If a patient or their representative wishes to revoke or change the DNR order, this should be communicated immediately to the physician and a new form should be completed.

• Legal Compliance: It's important to ensure that the DNR order complies with Tennessee state laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues that could disrupt the patient's end-of-life care plan.

Adhering to these considerations can help ensure that the DNR order reflects the patient's wishes accurately and is executed according to their desires, providing peace of mind to all involved.