Blank Oregon Do Not Resuscitate Order Form

Detailed Steps for Using Oregon Do Not Resuscitate Order

In the event someone wishes to establish clear instructions regarding their preferences for not receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in emergency situations, Oregon provides a specific form known as the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order. This legally binding document requires careful attention to detail when completing, to ensure that the individual's wishes are clearly documented and respected. Here are the necessary steps to accurately fill out the Oregon Do Not Resuscitate Order form.

1. Begin by accurately entering the patient's full legal name to ensure clarity regarding whose wishes are being expressed through this Order.
2. Fill in the patient's date of birth in the format provided on the form. This helps eliminate any potential confusion regarding the identity of the individual, especially in cases where names might be similar.
3. Provide the patient's address, including city, state, and zip code, to ensure there is clear information on where the patient resides, which might be necessary for healthcare providers.
4. Next, it is crucial to discuss and decide upon the specific circumstances under which the DNR Order should apply. These details will be entered in the relevant section of the form and should be considered carefully in consultation with a healthcare provider.
5. The patient's signature is required to authenticate the document. If the patient is unable to sign due to physical incapacity, a legal representative may sign on their behalf. The date of signing must also be included.
6. For the DNR Order to be officially recognized, it must also be signed by a licensed physician. The physician's signature confirms that the patient (or their representative) has been informed about the nature and implications of a DNR Order and that they agree to it voluntarily. Include the date of the physician’s signature.

Once all necessary sections of the form have been completed and signed, the Oregon Do Not Resuscitate Order becomes an active directive for healthcare professionals to follow. It is advised to keep this document in an easily accessible location, and consider providing copies to relevant family members, healthcare proxies, or legal representatives, and to bring it along during hospital visits or admissions to ensure the patient's wishes are followed in critical moments.

What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Oregon?

A Do Not Resuscitate Order in Oregon is a legal document that communicates a patient's wish not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) if their heart stops or if they stop breathing. This order is often used by individuals with a serious illness or those who are at the end of their life and wish to die naturally without aggressive interventions.

Who can request a DNR Order in Oregon?

Any competent individual 18 years of age or older can request a DNR Order. For patients under 18 or those not able to make their own medical decisions due to mental incapacity, a legal guardian, healthcare proxy, or close family member can request the order on their behalf.

How do you obtain a DNR Order in Oregon?

To obtain a DNR Order in Oregon, one must:

1. Consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the DNR Order fits the person’s medical needs and wishes.
2. Complete the necessary forms, which must be signed by the healthcare provider.
3. Ensure it is readily available and can be presented to emergency personnel or medical staff when needed.

Where should a DNR Order be kept?

A DNR Order should be kept in a place where it is easily accessible to emergency personnel. Examples include:

• On the refrigerator
• In a wallet or purse
• With other important medical documents

Does an Oregon DNR Order need to be notarized or witnessed?

No, an Oregon DNR Order does not need to be notarized. However, it must be signed by a licensed healthcare provider to be valid. The requirement for a witness can vary, so it is best to consult with a healthcare provider or legal advisor for the most current information.

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 legal representative. Revocation can be done by physically destroying the DNR Order, expressing the intention to void it to a healthcare provider, or by any other means that clearly indicate the individual’s wish to revoke it. It's crucial to communicate the revocation to healthcare providers and update any records accordingly.

What is the difference between a DNR Order and a POLST form in Oregon?

While both a DNR Order and a POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form indicate a patient's preferences regarding emergency and life-sustaining treatments, they serve different purposes. A DNR Order is specifically focused on the refusal of CPR in the event that breathing stops or the heart stops beating. A POLST form, on the other hand, provides more comprehensive instructions regarding various medical interventions, including the use of antibiotics, artificial nutrition, and intubation, in addition to CPR.

Is a DNR Order valid across state lines?

While many states have reciprocal respect for DNR Orders from other states, there is no guarantee that an Oregon DNR Order will automatically be recognized in another state. It is advisable for individuals traveling or moving to consult with a healthcare provider or legal advisor in the new state to ensure their wishes regarding resuscitation are clearly understood and legally documented according to that state’s laws.

When filling out the Oregon Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, accuracy is crucial. A correctly completed form ensures that a person's wishes regarding life-saving measures are honored. However, some common mistakes can affect the form's validity or lead to misunderstandings. To help navigate this important process, here's a breakdown of errors to avoid:

1. Not Using the Most Current Form: The state periodically updates the DNR form to reflect current laws and guidelines. Using an outdated version may result in an invalid form, making it crucial to always check for the most recent version before filling it out.

2. Incorrect Patient Information: Every detail counts, from the spelling of the patient's name to their date of birth. Discrepancies can lead to confusion or disputes about the form's legitimacy and whom it pertains to.

3. Failing to Obtain Required Signatures: A DNR form typically requires signatures from the patient (or their legal representative) and the physician. Missing any of these signatures can render the order non-enforceable.

4. Skipping the Witness Section: Depending on the specific requirements, some forms must be signed in the presence of a witness or notary. Not adhering to this requirement can affect the form's enforceability.

5. Not Specifying Limitations: The form may include sections that allow for specifying the extent of DNR orders or additional directives. Leaving these sections incomplete can lead to general assumptions about the patient's wishes, which might not reflect their true intentions.

6. Improper Filing or Distribution: After accurately completing the form, it's crucial to file it correctly and share copies with relevant parties, such as family members and healthcare providers. Failure to distribute the form properly means it may not be accessible when needed.

In conclusion, when filling out an Oregon DNR form, paying close attention to detail and ensuring compliance with all requirements are integral steps in communicating and upholding a patient's health care wishes. Avoiding these common mistakes can help in making sure that the process goes smoothly and effectively.

In healthcare, especially in contexts where life-sustaining treatments are considered, a range of legal documents can be pivotal. These documents ensure that individuals' healthcare preferences are understood and respected, even when they may not be able to communicate those preferences themselves. In Oregon, the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is one among several vital forms. This document specifically instructs healthcare professionals not to undertake CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) in the event a patient's breathing or heartbeat stops. However, the DNR form is often used in conjunction with other forms that more broadly address a patient's wishes regarding medical treatment. Here is an overview of seven other critical documents that are frequently used alongside the Oregon Do Not Resuscitate Order.

• Advance Directive: This document allows individuals to outline their medical treatment preferences in advance, including end-of-life care, and appoint a healthcare representative to make decisions on their behalf if they become incapable of doing so themselves.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): The POLST complements a DNR by providing more comprehensive instructions regarding the types of life-sustaining treatment a patient wants or does not want beyond CPR, such as mechanical ventilation or feeding tubes.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA): This legal document designates an individual to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient should they become unable to make those decisions. It is broader than an Advance Directive as it applies to all health care decisions, not just those about life-sustaining treatment.
• Living Will: A form of advance directive, a living will documents a person's preferences for end-of-life medical care, serving to guide healthcare providers and family members in making medical decisions if the person is incapacitated.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Finances: While not directly related to healthcare, this document is crucial for managing an individual's financial affairs if they become incapacitated. It designates someone to make financial decisions and handle financial matters, ensuring that the individual's property and financial affairs are looked after.
• Declaration for Mental Health Treatment: This document allows individuals to make decisions in advance regarding mental health treatment, specifying what types of treatment they would agree to or refuse, including medications, hospitalization, and therapeutic treatments.
• Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Agreement: Specific to Oregon, this agreement is designed for patients who wish to refuse life-sustaining treatment in settings outside of the hospital. It is similar to a DNR but is explicitly for emergency medical services and situations occurring outside of hospital premises.

Together, the Oregon Do Not Resuscitate Order and these additional forms provide a comprehensive framework for respecting individual healthcare preferences. They collectively help ensure that medical care aligns with a patient's values and wishes, particularly in situations where the patient may not be able to communicate their desires. By understanding and utilizing these documents, individuals in Oregon can take significant steps toward ensuring their healthcare autonomy and dignity are upheld even in the most challenging moments.

The Oregon Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form shares similarities with a Living Will. Both documents address a person's preferences regarding medical treatment in circumstances where they might be unable to communicate their wishes. A Living Will, however, is broader, specifying desires about various life-sustaining treatments beyond resuscitation efforts alone.

Similar to the Oregon DNR Order is the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form. The POLST form goes a step further by translating an individual's end-of-life wishes into medical orders that are immediately recognizable and actionable by healthcare professionals, applicable in a variety of settings, not just in-hospital scenarios.

The Health Care Proxy form, akin to the DNR Order, designates another person to make health care decisions on one’s behalf when they are incapable of making such decisions themselves. While both documents serve crucial roles in end-of-life planning, the Health Care Proxy focuses on appointing a decision-maker rather than detailing specific medical actions.

Medical Power of Attorney documents also resemble the Oregon DNR Order. They grant an appointed agent the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual if they can no longer do so. The scope is broader, though, encompassing a wide range of medical decisions beyond the refusal of resuscitation.

Advance Directives are another related document, combining elements of Living Wills and Health Care Proxy forms. They allow individuals to outline their healthcare preferences, including decisions about DNR orders, while also appointing a surrogate to make decisions when the individual cannot.

The Five Wishes document provides a more comprehensive approach to end-of-life planning, similar in purpose to a DNR Order. It addresses personal, spiritual, and emotional wishes alongside medical ones, aiming for holistic well-being at the end of life, including wishes about resuscitation.

Hospital Issued DNR orders, while specific to the in-hospital setting, carry a similar goal as the Oregon DNR Order. These are medical orders written by a doctor after consultation with the patient or their surrogate, specifically instructing hospital staff not to perform CPR.

Out-of-Hospital DNR orders are specifically designed for emergency medical services personnel, guiding them on resuscitation efforts outside of hospital settings. Like the Oregon DNR, they respect the patient's wishes regarding CPR in situations where they might be found by emergency responders.

The Do Not Intubate (DNI) order, while distinct, is related in its aim to limit certain life-sustaining treatments. Like a DNR, it is a directive that indicates a patient’s wish to avoid specific interventions—in this case, the insertion of a tube to assist with breathing.

Lastly, the MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form, similar to the POLST, is designed to ensure that individuals' treatment preferences are respected across different settings. It can include directives similar to DNR orders, but is broader in application, covering a wide range of life-sustaining treatments beyond resuscitation.

Filling out an Oregon Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a critical step for those who wish to make clear their preferences regarding life-saving measures. Here are guidelines to ensure the process is done accurately and respectfully:

1. Review the form thoroughly to understand each section. This ensures you know exactly what each decision entails and its impact.

2. Consult with a healthcare provider if you have questions or need clarification on any part of the form. They can offer valuable insights into how a DNR order works in practice.

3. Clear communication with family members or responsible parties is essential. Make sure they understand your wishes and the implications of the DNR order.

4. Keep the completed form in an easily accessible location and inform your family or caregivers of its location. This is crucial in an emergency.

1. Fill out the form in haste without fully understanding every aspect. It’s important to take your time and consider each decision carefully.

2. Forget to sign the form and have it witnessed as required. An unsigned form is often considered invalid and may not be honored in a medical emergency.

3. Leave sections of the form blank unless the instructions explicitly state it’s permissible. Incomplete forms can lead to confusion and potential conflicts.

4. Fail to review and update the form periodically. Your preferences may change over time, and it’s important that the form reflects your current wishes.

When it comes to the Oregon Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, numerous misconceptions can cloud understanding and decision-making. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for anyone involved in making important healthcare decisions, either for themselves or for their loved ones. Here is a clarification of some common misunderstandings:

• Only the elderly and terminally ill can have a DNR. People often think that DNRs are exclusively for the very old or those with terminal illnesses. However, anyone with strong convictions about not receiving CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in the event their breathing or heartbeat stops can opt for a DNR, regardless of their age or health status.

• A DNR is the same as giving up on treatment. This is not the case. Opting for a DNR means that an individual chooses not to have CPR if their heart or breathing stops. It does not mean that they are refusing other types of medical treatment.

• Doctors can override a DNR. In Oregon, a DNR order is legally binding. Healthcare professionals must follow it, and they cannot override it without a legally valid reason or without going through the proper legal procedures to dispute it.

• A DNR order is permanent and cannot be changed. This misconception can cause hesitation. The truth is, individuals can change their mind at any time about having a DNR. They can either cancel it or modify the terms according to their current wishes.

• A DNR applies to all medical treatments. A DNR order specifically addresses CPR and does not apply to other medical interventions or treatments such as antibiotics, pain management, or artificial nutrition and hydration.

• Having a DNR means you won’t receive emergency services. Another common misconception is that emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or paramedics will not respond to emergency calls from individuals with a DNR. While it is true that they will not perform CPR if a valid DNR is presented, they will provide all other possible lifesaving care.

• A DNR can only be issued by a doctor. While a doctor does need to sign the DNR form in Oregon for it to be valid, the decision to request a DNR can come from the patient or their healthcare proxy or legal guardian, who then discusses it with the doctor.

• The DNR order should be kept secret. Actually, it’s important that a DNR order be easily accessible to healthcare providers in an emergency. Patients or their families should inform their healthcare team, including their primary care physician and any specialists, about the DNR and where the document is located.

Clearing up these misconceptions ensures that individuals and families can make informed decisions regarding DNR orders, based on accurate information and personal values.

Understanding the Oregon Do Not Resuscitate Order form is important for making informed decisions about end-of-life care. Here are some key takeaways about filling out and using this form:

• The patient’s wishes are prioritized. This form is a way for individuals to make their wishes known regarding the use of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in case their breathing or heartbeat stops.
• It must be completed by a healthcare professional. The form requires the signature of a licensed healthcare provider, such as a doctor, to be valid. This ensures that the patient's medical condition and the implications of a DNR order are fully understood.
• Verification of the patient's capacity. It is important that the patient is capable of making their own healthcare decisions when the form is filled out, or otherwise, a legally authorized representative can act on their behalf.
• The form is part of the POLST paradigm in Oregon. This means it complements other forms that outline a more comprehensive plan for end-of-life care, not just the use of CPR.
• Accessibility is key. Once completed, the DNR order should be placed in an easily accessible location and copies should be given to the appropriate family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
• It’s revocable at any time. The patient, or their legally authorized representative if the patient is unable, can change their mind and revoke the order at any time. This should be done in written notice to healthcare providers.
• The order is valid statewide. Once signed and properly executed, it is recognized across the entire state of Oregon, ensuring that the patient's wishes are respected no matter where they are within the state.
• Emergency responders should be made aware of the DNR order. Informing emergency medical personnel about the existence of a DNR order is crucial to ensure it is followed in an emergency situation.
• It does not affect other medical treatments. Having a DNR order in place does not mean the patient will be denied other forms of medical care. It specifically addresses the use of CPR only.