Free Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for Connecticut

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

   A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Connecticut is a medical order written by a doctor. It tells health care providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's breathing stops or if the heart stops beating. It's intended for people with serious illnesses or those at the end of life who prefer not to have aggressive treatments.

2. Who can request a Do Not Resuscitate Order?

   Persons 18 years or older with the capacity to make their own health care decisions can request a DNR order. For those under 18 or adults who can't make their own decisions, a legal guardian or someone with medical power of attorney can request it on their behalf.

3. How can someone obtain a Do Not Resuscitate Order in Connecticut?

   To obtain a DNR order, a person must have a conversation with their healthcare provider about their wishes and the implications of such an order. The healthcare provider, upon agreeing that a DNR is appropriate for the patient's condition, will prepare and sign the order. The order then becomes part of the patient's medical record.

4. Is the Do Not Resuscitate Order applicable outside of the hospital?

   Yes, in Connecticut, a DNR order can be applied both in and out of hospital settings. It is important for individuals with a DNR order to inform family members and caretakers of the order, and to keep it in a place where it can be easily found by emergency responders, such as on the refrigerator or in a wallet.

5. Can a Do Not Resuscitate Order be revoked?

   Yes, a DNR order can be revoked at any time by the person it pertains to if they are capable of making their own healthcare decisions. It can also be revoked by the legally authorized representative if the patient is not capable. To revoke a DNR, one simply needs to inform the healthcare provider in charge of their care, who will then rescind the order and note the revocation in the patient's medical records.

In Connecticut, completing a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important process for individuals who wish to make their end-of-life care wishes known. However, mistakes in filling out this document can significantly impact its effectiveness and enforceability. Here are ten common errors to avoid:

1. Not consulting with a healthcare provider: The form requires the authorization of a licensed healthcare provider. Filling out the form without consulting a healthcare provider can render it invalid.
2. Failing to use the latest form version: Connecticut may update the DNR Order form periodically. Using an outdated version can lead to processing delays or refusal.
3. Incomplete information: Missing details about the patient or healthcare provider can invalidate the form.
4. Lack of clear patient identification: If the patient's full name, date of birth, and other identifying information are not accurately provided, it may lead to confusion and errors in emergency situations.
5. Skipping patient or healthcare provider signatures: Both the patient (or their authorized representative) and the healthcare provider must sign the form. Unsigned forms are not legally enforceable.
6. Not discussing the decision with family members or loved ones: While not a form requirement, failing to inform family and close contacts of the DNR decision can cause confusion and distress during critical moments.
7. Incorrectly dating the form: The date when the form is filled out should be clearly and correctly indicated to ascertain its validity.
8. Not keeping the completed form accessible: A DNR Order should be kept in an easily accessible location. If emergency personnel cannot find the form, they may proceed with all possible resuscitation efforts.
9. Misunderstanding the scope: Some individuals might not fully understand that the DNR Order specifically pertains to not conducting CPR. It does not affect other treatment preferences. Clear communication with a healthcare provider can clarify this distinction.
10. Neglecting to review and update the form: Personal wishes and medical circumstances can change. Regular reviews and updates to the DNR Order ensure that it remains aligned with the patient’s current preferences and conditions.

To complete a DNR Order accurately and effectively in Connecticut, individuals are advised to pay close attention to these common pitfalls. An accurate and well-communicated DNR allows healthcare providers to respect the patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care, ensuring that those wishes are followed in critical moments. By avoiding these mistakes, individuals can improve the clarity and enforceability of their DNR orders.

When preparing for medical emergencies or planning for end-of-life care, individuals in Connecticut often consider a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order as part of their planning. However, a DNR Order is just one critical piece of a much larger puzzle. Alongside it, several other important forms and documents are frequently used to ensure a person's healthcare preferences are fully understood and respected. These documents complement a DNR Order by covering different aspects of healthcare decisions and personal wishes.

• Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will): This document allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences if they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. It can specify which treatments they want to be used or avoided, such as ventilator use, artificial nutrition, and hydration.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA): Designates a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual, should they become incapacitated. This role is crucial for ensuring that the patient’s healthcare preferences are honored, especially in situations not specifically covered by the living will.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): Often used in tandem with a DNR, this form goes into greater detail about the types of life-sustaining treatments an individual does or does not want. It's designed to be followed by healthcare professionals during a medical emergency, across different settings.
• HIPAA Authorization Form: Allows designated individuals or entities access to the patient’s medical records. This can be critical in ensuring that healthcare proxies or family members are fully informed when making healthcare decisions.
• Organ and Tissue Donation Consent Form: For those who wish to donate their organs or tissues after death, this form makes one's wishes legally known. Including this document with other end-of-life preparations can help ensure that these wishes are carried out.

Together, these forms provide a comprehensive framework that addresses a wide range of medical and personal preferences. While the DNR Order is specifically intended to instruct healthcare providers regarding resuscitation attempts, the other documents enable individuals to communicate their values and wishes across different scenarios, ensuring they receive the type of care they desire. It's important for everyone to consider these forms as part of their healthcare planning, discussing their choices with family, healthcare agents, and their medical providers to ensure their wishes are clearly understood and can be acted upon when necessary.

The Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is similar to several other legal documents designed to inform medical personnel of a patient's preferences regarding medical treatment and interventions. These documents are essential for ensuring that an individual's medical care aligns with their values and wishes, especially in situations where they may not be able to communicate these preferences themselves. While the focus of each document varies, they collectively aim to provide a clear directive to healthcare providers about a patient’s healthcare choices.

Advance Healthcare Directive is the first document similar to the Connecticut DNR Order form. An Advance Healthcare Directive, sometimes called a living will, allows individuals to state their wishes for end-of-life medical care in advance. It covers a broader range of medical decisions, beyond resuscitation, including the use of ventilation, artificial nutrition, and hydration at the end of life. While a DNR specifically instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if the patient’s breathing or heartbeat stops, an Advance Healthcare Directive provides a more comprehensive overview of a person's preferences for various medical treatments or interventions they do or do not wish to receive under certain medical conditions.

Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) is another document that shares similarities with the DNR Order form. The Medical Power of Attorney grants a chosen individual the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient, should the patient become unable to make those decisions themselves. This could include the decision to enforce or revoke a DNR order, depending on the circumstances and the wishes of the patient as expressed to the designated agent. Unlike the DNR, which is a direct instruction to healthcare professionals, an MPOA appoints someone to act as the patient’s representative in making healthcare decisions.

POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is closely related to a DNR Order in its function and purpose. POLST is designed for seriously ill patients and outlines a plan of care respecting the patient's wishes concerning life-sustaining treatments, including resuscitation. It is more specific than a general DNR because it provides detailed instructions about CPR, ventilation, intensive care admission, and other life-sustaining measures beyond just the directive against CPR. Signed by both the patient and their physician, a POLST ensures that the patient’s wishes are understood and honored across healthcare settings.

Filling out a Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a serious step in managing your healthcare preferences. When completing this important document, there are specific actions you should take to ensure that your wishes are respected and legally recognized. Equally, there are mistakes you must avoid to prevent unintended consequences.

Things You Should Do:

1. Discuss with a healthcare provider: Before filling out the form, have a detailed discussion with your doctor or healthcare provider about what a DNR order means, and how it applies to your health condition and treatment preferences.
2. Clearly state your wishes: Make sure to clearly articulate your wishes regarding resuscitation. This ensures that in an emergency, those caring for you know exactly what you want.
3. Sign and date the form: Ensure that you sign and date the form in the presence of a witness or notary, if required by state law. This formalizes the document, making it a legal directive.
4. Inform family and friends: Tell your family, close friends, and healthcare proxy (if you have one) about your DNR order. This ensures that those close to you are aware of your wishes and can advocate on your behalf if necessary.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

• Fill out the form in haste: Take your time to carefully consider your decision. Filling out a DNR order is significant and should be done with careful thought and consultation with healthcare providers and loved ones.
• Leave sections incomplete: Do not skip any sections of the form. Incomplete forms may not be legally binding or recognized by healthcare professionals in a critical moment.
• Forget to review and update: Your healthcare wishes may change over time. Do not neglect to review and, if necessary, update your DNR order to reflect your current health care preferences.
• Fail to provide copies to relevant parties: Simply filling out the form is not enough. Make sure to provide copies to your physician, hospital, and any healthcare facilities or providers that may be involved in your care, to ensure your wishes are known and can be followed.

When discussing the Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, various misconceptions often arise. Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for individuals, families, and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about end-of-life care. Below are seven common misconceptions about the Connecticut DNR Order form, clarified to help dispel any confusion.

• DNR Orders apply to all medical treatments. This is not accurate. DNR Orders specifically relate to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a patient's heart stopping or the patient stops breathing. They do not apply to other forms of medical treatment or interventions unless explicitly stated otherwise in an Advance Healthcare Directive or similar legal document.
• Doctors can override a DNR Order if they disagree with it. In Connecticut, a validly executed DNR Order is legally binding. Healthcare professionals must respect the wishes of the patient as outlined in their DNR Order, assuming it was appropriately signed and witnessed according to state law requirements.
• Only elderly people can have a DNR Order. This misconception is widespread but incorrect. Patients of any age with severe illnesses, life-limiting conditions, or personal preferences for end-of-life care may opt for a DNR Order. The decision is based on individual beliefs, values, and medical advice, not age.
• A DNR Order is permanent and irreversible. Actually, a DNR Order can be revoked or modified at any time by the patient or their legally authorized representative, as long as the patient or representative can communicate their wishes effectively. New documentation must be completed to reflect any changes.
• The presence of a DNR Order means the patient won't receive quality care. This is a serious misconception. A DNR Order only instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. It does not impact the quality or extent of other treatments and care the patient receives.
• Hospital staff decide when to implement a DNR Order. The implementation of a DNR Order is not up to the hospital staff's discretion but rather comes into effect as per the terms outlined in the order. It is activated only under the conditions specifically mentioned in the document, primarily during an instance of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
• DNR Orders are only for patients in hospitals. This final misconception does not hold true. DNR Orders can be applicable in various settings, including at home, in hospice care, or in long-term care facilities. The key is ensuring that the DNR Order is accessible and that family members and caregivers are aware of and respect the patient's wishes.

Dispelling these misconceptions is essential for accurate understanding and respect for patients' wishes regarding resuscitation and end-of-life care. It's always recommended to consult healthcare professionals and legal advisers to ensure that any DNR Order reflects the patient's desires and complies with Connecticut laws.

Understanding and accurately filling out the Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is crucial for ensuring that a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation are honored during medical emergencies. Below are key takeaways to guide individuals in this process:

• A doctor's signature is mandatory for the DNR order to be valid. Without it, healthcare providers may proceed with resuscitation efforts in emergencies.
• The form should be readily accessible to healthcare professionals in an emergency. Ideally, it should be placed in a visible location within the patient's residence or on their person.
• Discussing wishes regarding resuscitation with family members and healthcare providers is essential before completing the form. This ensures that everyone involved understands the patient's desires.
• The DNR order can be revoked at any time by the patient or their legally authorized representative, should they change their mind about their end-of-life care wishes.
• It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before filling out the DNR form. This ensures clarity regarding the implications of the decision not to undergo resuscitation.
• The DNR order does not affect other treatments. Patients with a DNR order will still receive the maximum appropriate level of care for other conditions or diseases, excluding the initiation of CPR.