Official Do Not Resuscitate Order Form for the State of Pennsylvania

Official Do Not Resuscitate Order Form for the State of Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) form is a legal document that allows individuals to express their wishes regarding resuscitation efforts in the event of a medical emergency. By completing this form, patients can ensure that their preferences for end-of-life care are respected. Understanding the implications and requirements of a DNR can provide peace of mind for both patients and their families.

Open Do Not Resuscitate Order Online

In Pennsylvania, the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form serves as a crucial document for individuals who wish to communicate their preferences regarding medical treatment in the event of a life-threatening situation. This form is particularly significant for those with terminal illnesses or severe medical conditions, as it allows them to express their desire to forgo resuscitation efforts, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), should their heart stop beating or they stop breathing. The DNR Order must be completed and signed by a physician, ensuring that the individual's healthcare wishes are legally recognized and respected. Importantly, the form includes specific instructions and must be readily available to healthcare providers in emergency situations. Additionally, individuals can discuss their choices with family members and healthcare professionals to ensure that everyone involved understands their wishes. Understanding the implications of a DNR Order can provide peace of mind, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care while alleviating potential burdens on loved ones during emotionally challenging times.

More State-specific Do Not Resuscitate Order Templates

Key takeaways

When considering the Pennsylvania Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it is essential to understand its purpose and implications. Here are some key takeaways:

  • The DNR Order is a legal document that allows individuals to refuse resuscitation efforts in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest.
  • It must be signed by a physician and the patient or their authorized representative to be valid.
  • Patients should discuss their wishes with family members and healthcare providers to ensure everyone understands their preferences.
  • The DNR Order must be readily accessible, such as being kept in a visible place or included in medical records, to ensure it is honored by emergency responders.
  • Individuals can revoke or modify their DNR Order at any time, provided they communicate their wishes clearly to their healthcare providers.

Understanding these points can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare preferences in Pennsylvania.

Form Features

Fact Name Details
Definition A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a legal document that instructs medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest.
Governing Law The Pennsylvania Do Not Resuscitate Order is governed by the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 20, Chapter 54.
Eligibility Any adult who is capable of making health care decisions can complete a DNR Order in Pennsylvania.
Required Signatures The DNR Order must be signed by the patient, or if the patient is unable, by a legally authorized representative.
Form Availability The Pennsylvania DNR Order form is available through various healthcare providers, hospitals, and online resources.
Medical Staff Compliance Medical personnel are required to honor a valid DNR Order as long as it is properly executed and readily available.
Revocation A DNR Order can be revoked at any time by the patient or their representative, verbally or in writing.
Emergency Situations In emergencies, if a DNR Order is not available, medical personnel may perform CPR until the order is verified.
Additional Documentation Patients may also want to discuss their wishes with healthcare providers and include them in their medical records for clarity.

Documents used along the form

In Pennsylvania, a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is an important document that expresses a person's wishes regarding resuscitation efforts in case of a medical emergency. However, there are several other forms and documents that often accompany a DNR Order to provide comprehensive guidance on medical care preferences. Below is a list of these essential documents, each serving a specific purpose in healthcare decision-making.

  • Advance Healthcare Directive: This document allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.
  • Living Will: A living will specifies the types of medical treatments an individual wishes to receive or decline in the event of a terminal illness or irreversible condition.
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney: This legal document designates a trusted person to make medical decisions for someone if they are incapacitated, ensuring that their wishes are respected.
  • Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST is a medical order that outlines a patient's preferences for life-sustaining treatments, such as resuscitation and intubation, based on their current health status.
  • Medical Records Release Form: This form allows individuals to authorize healthcare providers to share their medical records with designated persons, ensuring that their healthcare agents have access to necessary information.
  • Do Not Hospitalize Order: This order indicates that a patient does not wish to be hospitalized for treatment, often used in conjunction with a DNR to clarify end-of-life preferences.
  • General Power of Attorney: This legal document grants one person the authority to act on behalf of another in a wide range of matters, including financial and legal decisions, providing essential support during critical times. More information can be found at https://smarttemplates.net/fillable-power-of-attorney/.
  • Organ Donation Form: This document expresses an individual's wishes regarding organ donation after death, providing clear guidance to family members and healthcare providers.
  • Personal Care Agreement: This agreement outlines the preferences for personal care services, ensuring that caregivers understand the individual's needs and wishes.

Having these documents in place alongside a DNR Order can significantly ease the decision-making process for loved ones and healthcare providers. They help ensure that an individual's wishes are respected and that they receive care that aligns with their values and preferences.