Official Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for Florida

When creating a comprehensive healthcare plan, the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form is often accompanied by several other important documents. These forms help ensure that your healthcare preferences are clearly communicated and respected. Below is a list of commonly used documents alongside the DNRO form, each serving a unique purpose in medical decision-making.

• Advance Directive: This legal document outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment in case you become unable to communicate them. It can include instructions about life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and more.
• Health Care Surrogate Designation: This form allows you to appoint someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This person should understand your values and preferences.
• Living Will: A living will specifies the types of medical treatment you do or do not want in situations where you are terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state. It provides clarity to your healthcare providers and loved ones.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): This is a medical order that reflects your preferences for treatment in emergency situations. It is intended for patients with serious illnesses and complements the DNRO.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: Similar to the DNRO, this order specifically states that you do not want to be intubated or placed on a ventilator if you cannot breathe on your own.
• Medical Power of Attorney: This document grants someone the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf, similar to a health care surrogate designation, but it can also cover broader legal matters.
• Organ Donation Registration: This form allows you to express your wishes regarding organ and tissue donation after your death. It can be included in your advance directive or submitted separately.
• Do Not Hospitalize (DNH) Order: This order indicates that you do not wish to be hospitalized for any reason, often used for patients with terminal conditions who prefer to remain at home.
• End-of-Life Care Plan: This comprehensive plan outlines your preferences for care during the final stages of life, including pain management, hospice care, and emotional support for family members.

Each of these documents plays a crucial role in ensuring that your healthcare preferences are honored. It is essential to review and discuss them with your healthcare provider and loved ones. This proactive approach can help alleviate confusion and stress during critical moments.

The Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form shares similarities with the Advance Directive. An Advance Directive is a legal document that allows individuals to express their healthcare preferences in advance, including end-of-life care decisions. Like the DNRO, it ensures that medical professionals understand the patient’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, thereby promoting respect for personal autonomy in healthcare decisions.

Another document akin to the DNRO is the Living Will. A Living Will specifically outlines an individual’s wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they are unable to communicate their preferences. It is similar to the DNRO in that both documents focus on the patient’s desires concerning life-sustaining measures, but the Living Will can cover a broader range of medical decisions beyond resuscitation.

The Medical Power of Attorney is also comparable to the DNRO. This document allows a person to designate someone else to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. While the DNRO focuses specifically on resuscitation preferences, the Medical Power of Attorney can encompass a wider array of medical decisions, ensuring that a trusted individual can advocate for the patient’s wishes.

The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is another document that shares similarities with the DNRO. POLST is designed for individuals with serious illnesses and translates their treatment preferences into actionable medical orders. Like the DNRO, POLST communicates a patient’s wishes regarding resuscitation and other life-sustaining treatments, making it a vital tool for emergency medical personnel.

The Do Not Intubate (DNI) order is closely related to the DNRO. A DNI order specifically instructs healthcare providers not to place a patient on a ventilator if they stop breathing. While the DNRO addresses resuscitation efforts broadly, the DNI focuses on one particular aspect of life support, allowing patients to express their wishes more precisely.

Another document that aligns with the DNRO is the Hospice Care Plan. This plan outlines the specific medical care and support services that a patient will receive in hospice care, emphasizing comfort and quality of life rather than aggressive treatment. Both documents prioritize the patient’s wishes and focus on minimizing interventions that may prolong suffering.

The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is also similar to the DNRO. This document allows individuals to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. Like the DNRO, it emphasizes the importance of honoring the patient’s preferences, ensuring that their healthcare choices are respected even when they cannot communicate them directly.

In some cases, the Comfort Care Order may be used in conjunction with the DNRO. This order focuses on providing comfort and alleviating pain rather than prolonging life through aggressive medical interventions. Both documents reflect a patient-centered approach, prioritizing the quality of life over the quantity of life.

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Do Not Resuscitate Order is another document that resembles the Florida DNRO. This form is specifically designed for use by emergency medical personnel in the field. It communicates a patient’s wishes regarding resuscitation efforts during emergencies, similar to the DNRO, but is tailored for immediate application in emergency situations.

Lastly, the Advance Care Planning form can be compared to the DNRO. This document encourages individuals to discuss their healthcare preferences with family and healthcare providers, facilitating conversations about end-of-life care. While it may not serve as a legally binding order like the DNRO, it plays a crucial role in ensuring that a patient’s wishes are understood and respected by their loved ones and medical team.

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

   A Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that allows individuals to refuse cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other life-saving measures in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. This order is particularly important for those who have specific medical conditions or wish to avoid aggressive medical interventions at the end of life.

2. Who can create a DNRO in Florida?

   In Florida, any adult who is competent to make their own medical decisions can create a Do Not Resuscitate Order. This includes individuals who are facing terminal illness or those who simply wish to express their preferences regarding resuscitation efforts. It is also advisable for the individual to discuss their wishes with family members and healthcare providers.

3. How do I obtain a DNRO form?

   The DNRO form can be obtained from various sources, including healthcare providers, hospitals, and online through the Florida Department of Health’s website. The form must be completed and signed by the individual and their physician. It is crucial to ensure that all necessary signatures are present for the order to be valid.

4. What should I do after completing the DNRO form?

   Once the DNRO form is completed and signed, it is essential to keep it in an easily accessible location. Share copies with your healthcare providers, family members, and anyone who may be involved in your medical care. Additionally, consider discussing your wishes with your loved ones to ensure everyone understands your preferences.

5. Can I change or revoke my DNRO?

   Yes, you can change or revoke your Do Not Resuscitate Order at any time as long as you are competent to make your own medical decisions. To revoke the order, you can destroy the original document and notify your healthcare providers. It is advisable to create a new DNRO if you wish to update your preferences.

6. What happens if I do not have a DNRO in place?

   If you do not have a Do Not Resuscitate Order in place, healthcare providers will typically perform life-saving measures, such as CPR, if you experience cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. This can sometimes lead to unwanted interventions, particularly if you have specific wishes regarding end-of-life care. Having a DNRO ensures that your preferences are respected.

When filling out the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order form, it is essential to approach the task with care and attention to detail. Here are some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind.

• Do ensure that you understand the implications of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order before completing the form.
• Do discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider and family members to ensure everyone is informed.
• Do fill out the form completely and accurately, providing all necessary information.
• Do sign and date the form in the presence of a witness, if required.
• Don't leave any sections blank; incomplete forms may not be honored.
• Don't use the form if you are unsure about your decision; take the time to reflect on your choices.
• Don't forget to keep copies of the signed form for your records and share them with your healthcare provider.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your wishes are clearly communicated and respected in a medical setting.