Attorney-Approved Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for Florida State

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

A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) in Florida is a legal form that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's breathing stops or if their heart stops beating. This form is used by individuals who do not wish to receive CPR in the event of a life-threatening situation.

Who can request a Do Not Resuscitate Order in Florida?

Any competent adult can request a DNRO for themselves in Florida. Additionally, a legal guardian or healthcare surrogate can request a DNRO on behalf of a minor or an adult who is not capable of making their own healthcare decisions due to medical reasons.

How can one obtain a Do Not Resuscitate Order form in Florida?

The form can be obtained from a healthcare provider, such as a physician, hospital, or in some cases, online from the Florida Department of Health’s website. It is important to ensure the form is the correct, state-approved version to be legally valid.

Does a doctor need to sign the Florida DNRO form?

Yes, for a DNRO to be valid in Florida, it must be signed by a licensed physician. The physician's signature indicates that they have discussed the decision not to undergo CPR with the patient (or their legal representative) and agree with the patient’s wishes.

Where should a Do Not Resuscitate Order be kept?

To ensure the DNRO is honored, it should be kept in an easily accessible place. Many people choose to keep it on their refrigerator, with their personal records, or with a healthcare surrogate or family member who will be present in an emergency. It is also advisable to inform close family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers of its existence and location.

Is a Florida DNRO valid in other states?

While some states may honor a Florida DNRO, it is not guaranteed. DNRO laws and forms vary from state to state. If you travel or move frequently, it is recommended to have a DNRO executed in accordance with the laws of the state you are in or plan to spend significant time in.

Can a Do Not Resuscitate Order be revoked?

Yes, a DNRO can be revoked at any time by the individual for whom it was made, a legal guardian, or a healthcare surrogate. This can be done by destroying the physical document, informing the attending physician or hospital of the decision to revoke, or by creating a new advance directive that contradicts the DNRO.

What is the difference between a DNRO and a living will?

A DNRO specifically addresses the use of CPR in life-threatening situations and is immediately actionable by emergency responders and healthcare providers. A living will, on the other hand, is a broader document that outlines a person's wishes regarding various forms of life-sustaining treatment if they become unable to communicate those decisions themselves. While they can complement one another, they serve different purposes.

Does having a DNRO affect the quality of care one receives?

Having a Do Not Resuscitate Order does not affect the quality of care provided. Healthcare professionals are committed to offering the highest standard of care and comfort to all patients. A DNRO specifically guides healthcare providers on the use of CPR, but it does not influence other treatments or interventions the patient may receive to manage pain, discomfort, or other medical conditions.

Filling out a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Florida is a significant step for individuals who wish to have their choices known and respected regarding emergency medical treatment. However, accuracy and attention to detail are critical when completing this document to ensure it reflects the individual's true intentions and is legally valid. Common mistakes are often made during this sensitive process, detracting from the document's effectiveness and potentially leading to undesired outcomes in emergency situations.

1. Not Using the Correct Form: Individuals sometimes download outdated versions of the form or use templates from unverified sources. Florida law requires a specific form to be used, which is periodically updated to reflect current legal requirements.

2. Incomplete Information: Every section of the form needs to be fully completed. Missing details about the person’s identity, such as their full legal name or date of birth, can lead to confusion or render the document invalid.

3. Incorrect Information: Entering incorrect information, whether mistakenly or due to misunderstanding the form's questions, could have serious implications, including the DNR not being honored in a critical moment.

4. Lack of Required Signatures: The DNR order must be signed by the individual or their legally authorized representative and the attending physician. Omitting any of these signatures can invalidate the form.

5. Failure to Witness the Document: Although not all states require a witness for a DNR, ensuring that the document is signed in front of a witness adds a layer of verification and legality to the procedure in Florida. Not adhering to this can raise questions about the document's legitimacy.

6. Improper Notarization: If the form is notarized, ensuring the notarization is done correctly and by a commissioned notary public is essential. Mistakes in notarization can also question the document's validity.

7. Using Ink Colors Other Than Black: The Florida DNR form stipulates that all entries must be made in black ink. Using other colors can lead to scanning and legibility issues, potentially causing the document to be disregarded.

8. Not Updating the Form After Changes: Any changes in the individual’s health status or decisions about end-of-life care should prompt an update to the DNR order. Failing to update the document can lead to confusion and the execution of outdated wishes.

9. Misunderstanding the Form's Purpose: Some individuals mistakenly believe the DNR order is more comprehensive than it is, presuming it covers situations beyond what is specified in the form. This misunderstanding can lead to a misalignment between the person's wishes and the medical interventions they receive.

10. Not Communicating with Family Members: Not discussing the decision to have a DNR order with close family members or loved ones can lead to shock, confusion, or disputes during critical times, potentially hindering its smooth implementation.

Correctly completing and maintaining the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the form's legal and medical implications. Avoiding these common mistakes can ensure the individual's wishes are clearly communicated and respected in emergencies.

When considering a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Florida, it's important to be prepared with all necessary documents to ensure your healthcare wishes are clearly communicated and legally acknowledged. A DNR Order is a crucial document for individuals who wish to decline resuscitation in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest, but there are other forms and documents that often accompany it or are relevant in broader healthcare planning contexts. These additional documents help in covering various aspects of a person's healthcare preferences and legal arrangements.

• Living Will: This document allows individuals to outline their preferences regarding the types of medical treatments and life-sustaining measures they wish to receive or refuse in the event they become unable to communicate their wishes directly.
• Health Care Surrogate Designation: This form enables a person to appoint someone else (a surrogate) to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves.
• Power of Attorney: Although broader than healthcare decisions alone, a Power of Attorney can include provisions that allow the appointed agent to make healthcare decisions, among other types of decisions, on behalf of the individual.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): Similar to a DNR, a POLST form provides more comprehensive instructions about end-of-life care preferences, including the use of antibiotics, intubation, and feeding tubes.
• Advance Directive: This is a broader term that encompasses several types of documents, including living wills and healthcare surrogate designations, which detail a person's wishes regarding end-of-life care and decision-making.
• Organ and Tissue Donation Registration: This form allows individuals to specify their wishes regarding organ donation at the time of death, which can be an important component of end-of-life planning.
• Pre-Hospital DNR Order: Similar to the standard DNR form but specifically designed for emergency medical services personnel, indicating that CPR should not be attempted before hospitalization.

Comprehensively planning for end-of-life care involves considering more than just a single document. The proper completion and distribution of relevant forms, such as a DNR Order alongside a Living Will or Health Care Surrogate Designation, ensure clarity and adherence to one’s healthcare preferences. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or legal professional to ensure all documents are correctly filled out and reflective of your wishes. This comprehensive approach not only provides peace of mind but ensures that healthcare decisions are honored in accordance with your values and preferences.

• Living Will: Similar to a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, a living will allows individuals to outline their preferences regarding end-of-life medical treatments. While a DNR specifically requests not to have CPR if breathing or heartbeat stops, a living will can provide more detailed instructions about various life-sustaining treatments in different scenarios.

• Healthcare Power of Attorney: This document appoints someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual if they become unable to do so themselves. Like a DNR, it is used to ensure that the individual’s medical treatment preferences are respected, but it covers a broader range of decisions beyond resuscitation.

• Five Wishes Document: Offering a comprehensive approach, the Five Wishes document goes beyond the scope of a DNR by covering personal, spiritual, and medical wishes. It acts as a guide for end-of-life care, touching on who makes care decisions, the kind of medical treatment desired, how comfortable the person wants to be, how they want to be treated, and what they want their loved ones to know.

• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): Similar to a DNR, a POLST provides specific instructions for healthcare providers on a wider range of life-sustaining treatments based on the patient’s current health condition. It is designed for seriously ill or frail individuals for use across different settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and at home.

• Advance Directive: Essentially an umbrella term that can include a living will and a healthcare power of attorney, advance directives are legal documents that communicate a person’s wishes about medical treatment if they are unable to communicate themselves. While a DNR specifically addresses the issue of CPR, an advance directive can cover a broad array of health care preferences and directives.

Navigating through the process of filling out the Florida Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form can be daunting. To ensure that your wishes are properly documented and respected, it's crucial to follow a set of guidelines. Here's a list of dos and don'ts that will assist in the process:

• Do ensure that the form is filled out completely. Missing information could lead to unnecessary confusion or disputes.
• Do consult with a healthcare provider when considering a DNR order. Their expertise can provide clarity and support through the decision-making process.
• Do use a blue or black ink pen for clarity and durability. These ink colors are most reliable for official documents.
• Do make sure the form is signed by the required parties. In Florida, this includes the patient or their legally authorized representative, and a witness.
• Do not fill out the form without thorough understanding. Take the time to understand every section to ensure it reflects your wishes accurately.
• Do not leave the form in a place where it cannot be easily found. Inform your family members and healthcare providers of its location.
• Do not alter the form after it has been completed and signed. Any changes require completing a new form.
• Do not forget to review and update the form periodically. Circumstances and decisions can change, so revisiting the form ensures it remains accurate.

By following these guidelines, individuals can ensure that their health care preferences are respected and that they avoid any potential issues that could arise from improperly completed documentation. Careful, deliberate steps today can provide peace of mind for tomorrow.

The Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form is a crucial document intended to communicate a patient's wish not to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. Misunderstandings about this form can lead to confusion and emotional distress for patients and their families. Here we clarify five common misconceptions.

• Misconception 1: A DNRO is only for the elderly. The truth is, a DNRO form can be appropriate for individuals at any age who are suffering from a terminal condition, an end-stage condition, or are in a persistent vegetative state, according to their healthcare provider's assessment and their personal wishes.

• Misconception 2: If you sign a DNRO, you won't receive any medical treatment. In fact, the DNRO specifically addresses the withholding of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) only. Other forms of medical care and intervention, including pain relief, nutrition, hydration, and oxygen, will still be provided unless otherwise specified in an advance directive.

• Misconception 3: A DNRO can be orally communicated. In Florida, a DNRO must be documented on a specific form, known as DH Form 1896, which is legally recognized. This form must be signed by the patient (or their legal representative) and the attending physician to be valid. Verbal instructions alone do not suffice.

• Misconception 4: The DNRO is permanent and cannot be revoked. A patient or their legally authorized representative can revoke a DNRO at any time, in any manner that communicates the intent to revoke. This can be orally, by physical destruction of the form, or by written revocation. There is no specific process that must be followed to revoke it.

• Misconception 5: All healthcare facilities honor Florida's DNRO form. While most healthcare providers in Florida are familiar with and will honor a valid Florida DNRO form, it's crucial to discuss your DNRO with your healthcare provider and ensure that it is part of your medical records. Also, when traveling outside of Florida, be aware that other states may have different laws and forms, requiring a review and potentially a new form to be completed.

Understanding the facts about the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order form ensures that individuals can make informed decisions about their end-of-life care and communicate their wishes clearly to family and healthcare providers.

Filling out and using the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form is a critical step for those wishing to make clear their preferences regarding life-saving efforts during an emergency. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Legally binding: The Florida DNRO form is a legal document. Once completed and signed, it informs healthcare professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or if you stop breathing.
• Form requirements: For the DNRO to be valid, it must be properly filled out. This includes ensuring that it is signed by the individual (or their legal representative) and a Florida-licensed physician, osteopathic physician, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
• Clear identification: The form should be readily accessible to first responders. Many individuals keep it on the refrigerator, near their bed, or with them if they are likely to be outside the home. Some wear specific bracelets or necklaces that indicate the existence of a DNRO.
• Revocation is flexible: A DNRO can be revoked (canceled) at any time by the individual it covers, without needing a witness or any formal process. Destruction of the form, expressing a wish to be resuscitated, or removing the identifiable bracelet or necklace are all valid methods of revocation.
• Not a one-size-fits-all solution: It's crucial to discuss your health wishes and the implications of a DNRO with your healthcare provider. This conversation should inform whether the DNRO aligns with your overall health care goals, especially in chronic or terminal conditions.

Striking a balance between personal autonomy and medical advice is key when considering a DNRO. By thoroughly understanding and thoughtfully completing the Florida DNRO form, individuals can ensure their preferences are respected during critical moments.