Blank Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for the State of Maryland

Guidelines on Utilizing Maryland Do Not Resuscitate Order

The Maryland Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a critical document for individuals who wish to express their preferences about not receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. This form allows individuals to make their wishes known to healthcare professionals, ensuring that their treatment preferences are respected during emergency situations. Filling out the Maryland DNR form is a straightforward process, but it requires careful consideration and, preferably, discussions with healthcare providers and loved ones. Below are the steps to complete the DNR Order form effectively.

1. Gather all necessary information. Prior to filling out the form, ensure that you have all relevant personal information. This includes your full legal name, date of birth, and the specific medical conditions that prompt the need for a DNR order.
2. Discuss with a healthcare provider. Although not solely a step in filling out the form, having a conversation with your healthcare provider about your decision to not undergo CPR in emergencies is crucial. They can provide guidance and ensure that the DNR order reflects your health status and wishes accurately.
3. Complete the personal information section. Fill in your personal details in the designated areas on the form. Make sure to print clearly and double-check for accuracy to prevent any misunderstandings.
4. Review the provided medical information. The form may include sections that describe specific medical conditions or circumstances under which CPR should not be attempted. Read these carefully to ensure they align with your wishes and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
5. Make your decision known. In the section provided, indicate your decision to have a DNR order in place. This typically involves checking a box or initialing next to the statement that best reflects your wishes.
6. Obtain the necessary signatures. The Maryland DNR form requires your signature, as well as the signatures of your healthcare provider and, in some cases, a witness. Ensure all parties sign the form to make it legally binding.
7. Keep the form accessible. Once completed, the DNR order should be kept in a place where it can be easily found by emergency responders or healthcare professionals, such as with your personal identification or medical records.

Completing a Maryland DNR Order is a significant step in managing your health care preferences. This document empowers individuals to have a say in their medical treatment during emergencies, providing peace of mind that their wishes will be respected. Always consult with healthcare professionals when making decisions that impact your health, and keep the lines of communication open with loved ones who may be affected by these choices.

1. What is a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) in Maryland?

   A Do Not Resuscitate Order in Maryland is a medical order that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's heartbeat or breathing stops. This form is used by individuals who wish to decline life-extending measures in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

2. How can someone obtain a DNR order in Maryland?

   To obtain a DNR order in Maryland, an individual must discuss their wishes with a licensed healthcare provider. This can be their physician, nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant. After the discussion, if deemed appropriate, the healthcare provider will complete and sign the DNR order form.

3. Who can request a DNR order?

   Any competent adult can request a DNR order. Additionally, guardians or healthcare proxies can request a DNR order for those who are unable to make medical decisions for themselves, provided they are acting within the limits of their legal authority and according to the known wishes of the individual.

4. Does a DNR order need to be renewed?

   Yes, DNR orders in Maryland typically need to be reviewed and potentially renewed. The specific timing for renewal can vary, so it is important for individuals to consult with their healthcare provider about how often their DNR order should be re-evaluated.

5. Where should a DNR order be kept?

   A DNR order should be kept in a place where it is easily accessible to emergency personnel and healthcare providers. Many individuals choose to keep a copy at home, usually in a visible and well-known location, and to inform family members or housemates of its location. It is also advisable to have a copy with you when traveling.

6. Can a DNR order be revoked or changed?

   Yes. A DNR order can be revoked or altered at any time by the individual for whom it was issued, provided that the individual is still competent to make their own medical decisions. To revoke or change a DNR order, the individual or their authorized representative should inform their healthcare provider of their new wishes, and follow any required procedures to ensure the changes are legally documented and recognized.

7. Are there any necessary steps to ensure my DNR order is recognized across different healthcare settings?

   To ensure a DNR order is recognized across different healthcare settings, it is important to discuss the order with all healthcare providers involved in one's care. Additionally, when entering a new healthcare setting, such as a hospital or nursing home, the DNR order should be presented upon admission. This ensures that the current healthcare team is aware of and can honor the individual’s wishes.

When filling out the Maryland Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it's crucial to provide clear and accurate information to ensure that one's wishes are respected in critical health situations. However, mistakes can occur during this process. Recognizing and avoiding these common errors can aid in the preparation of an effective DNR order.

1. Not verifying patient information: Ensure that all patient information is correct and matches other identification documents. Mismarked or mistyped information, such as name spelling, date of birth, or patient identification numbers, can lead to confusion and potentially render the DNR order invalid.

2. Skipping the signature requirement: A valid Maryland DNR order must be signed by the patient or their legally authorized representative, as well as the attending physician. Missing signatures can invalidate the document, undermining the patient's wishes not to receive resuscitative services.

3. Overlooking witness requirements: If the patient is unable to sign, the form may require a witness signature in addition to that of the legally authorized representative. Not having the form properly witnessed, as required, can lead to questions about its validity.

4. Ignoring the need for detail in special instructions: The form allows for special instructions regarding the patient's DNR wishes. Failing to be specific about unique medical circumstances or preferences can result in a lack of clarity about the patient's desires, especially in emergency situations.

5. Not updating the form: Health status and medical wishes can change. Not updating the DNR order to reflect current decisions or medical conditions means it may not accurately represent the patient's current wishes.

Understanding and avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure that the DNR order is an accurate reflection of the patient's wishes, potentially sparing them and their loved ones significant distress during already challenging times.

When planning for medical care, especially in cases of serious or terminal illness, it’s important to consider the full scope of forms and documents that complement the Maryland Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form. These documents are essential for making one's healthcare wishes known and ensuring they are respected by medical professionals and loved ones alike. Here's a look at six such documents often used in conjunction with a Maryland DNR.

• Advance Directive: This legal document allows individuals to state their preferences for medical treatment if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. It can specify wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, pain management, and can appoint a healthcare agent.
• Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) Form: This form is used by individuals suffering from serious health conditions to detail specific medical treatments they do or do not want. Unlike the DNR, which specifically addresses CPR, the MOLST covers a broader range of life-sustaining interventions.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPA): This document appoints a person to make medical decisions on someone’s behalf if they’re unable to communicate their wishes. The appointed agent can make decisions about a variety of treatments, not limited to life-saving measures.
• Living Will: Similar to an advance directive, a living will specifies one's desires regarding medical treatment in end-of-life situations or if they're permanently unconscious. It usually addresses the use of life-sustaining measures such as artificial respiration and tube feeding.
• HIPAA Release Form: This form grants healthcare providers permission to share an individual's medical information with designated persons or entities, potentially including the person(s) appointed through an HCPA or named in an advance directive.
• Emergency Contact Form: Although not a medical or legal document, having a form that lists emergency contacts, including the healthcare agent named in an HCPA, can be invaluable during a medical crisis. It ensures that loved ones and decision-makers can be contacted quickly.

While thinking about and preparing these documents can be challenging, they are crucial for ensuring that one's health care preferences are known and respected. Together with a Maryland DNR Order, they create a comprehensive plan for medical care, giving both the individual and their loved ones peace of mind during difficult times.

• Living Will: Much like a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, a living will specifies an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they can no longer communicate their decisions. Both documents guide healthcare professionals on how to proceed with treatment or non-treatment in critical scenarios.

• Healthcare Proxy: This document appoints someone else to make medical decisions on behalf of an individual, should they become unable to do so themselves. Similar to a DNR, it comes into play when someone is incapacitated but specifically designates a decision-maker rather than outlining specific medical actions.

• Power of Attorney (POA) for Healthcare: Similar to a healthcare proxy, a POA for healthcare enables someone to make medical decisions on another's behalf. The distinction often lies in the scope and specifics of the authority granted, but like a DNR, it aims to ensure that medical treatment aligns with the individual's wishes.

• Advance Directive: An advance directive is a broader term that includes documents like a living will and a DNR. It provides instructions about an individual's healthcare preferences in advance, covering a range of decisions from resuscitation to end-of-life care.

• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): Similar to a DNR, a POLST outlines a plan for end-of-life care, including the patient's wishes about specific interventions. Unlike a DNR, which is generally specific to CPR, a POLST can include directives about antibiotics, intubation, and more.

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) DNR: Specifically designed for emergency medical situations outside of a hospital, an EMS DNR prevents emergency services personnel from performing CPR. While it holds a similar intent as a hospital DNR order, it is specifically meant for use in community settings.

• Five Wishes: While not a legal document in all states, Five Wishes couples personal, emotional, and spiritual desires with medical and legal directives similar to a DNR. It goes beyond medical specifics to address the individual's overall comfort, how they want to be treated, and what they wish for their loved ones in terms of support.

When dealing with a Maryland Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, the choices you make are critical. This document tells healthcare professionals not to perform CPR if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. Here is a list of key do's and don'ts to Bear in mind when filling out this form.

Do's:

1. Consult with your healthcare provider. Before filling out a DNR form, have a thorough discussion with your doctor. Understanding your health condition and the implications of a DNR order is vital.

2. Use clear, precise language. When completing the form, ensure every instruction is unambiguous to avoid any confusion in emergencies.

3. Review the form with family members or loved ones. This ensures that those closest to you understand your wishes and can support your decision if necessary.

4. Keep the form in an accessible place. After signing, the DNR form should be easy to find, not hidden away in a safe or drawer. Inform family members or caregivers where it is.

5. Regularly review and update the form if necessary. As your health condition changes, your wishes might too. Revisiting and, if needed, updating your DNR order ensures it always reflects your current desires.

Don'ts:

1. Do not fill out the form without understanding its full implications. A DNR order is legally binding and has significant consequences.

2. Avoid vague language. Ambiguities in your DNR order can lead to unwanted treatments or interventions in critical moments.

3. Do not forget to sign and date the form. An unsigned or undated DNR order may not be considered valid by medical personnel.

4. Do not fill out the form alone if you have questions or uncertainties. It's important to seek advice from medical professionals or legal advisors to ensure your wishes are accurately documented.

5. Do not fail to communicate your decision with your healthcare proxy, if you have one. Your healthcare agent should be fully aware of your wishes to advocate effectively on your behalf.

Discussing the topic of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order can be difficult, and it's common to come across misunderstandings about what it entails, especially in Maryland. Clearing up these misconceptions is crucial for individuals to make informed decisions that reflect their wishes and values regarding healthcare. Here are four common misunderstandings:

• Anybody can request a DNR order on behalf of someone else. In reality, only the individual in question or their legally recognized health care proxy or decision-maker has the authority to request a DNR order. This process respects individual autonomy and ensures decisions are made by those with the legal right to do so.
• A DNR order denies the patient all forms of medical treatment. This is not true. A DNR specifically instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event a patient's breathing or heart stops. It does not mean that other forms of care, including pain management or antibiotic therapy, will be withheld.
• DNR orders are only for elderly patients. This misconception could prevent individuals with serious, life-limiting illness from considering a DNR, regardless of their age. People of any age with chronic illnesses, terminal illnesses, or severe life-threatening conditions may consider a DNR order as part of their care planning.
• Once signed, a DNR order cannot be changed or revoked. In fact, a DNR order can be revoked at any time by the individual or their designated health care proxy. The decision to have a DNR is never permanent and can be adjusted based on changes in health status, personal wishes, or discussions with family and healthcare providers.

Understanding these key points about the Maryland Do Not Resuscitate Order can help individuals and their families navigate health care decisions with more confidence and peace of mind. It's always recommended to discuss these matters thoroughly with healthcare providers to ensure choices are well-informed and reflect the patient's values and wishes.

Navigating Maryland's Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form can feel daunting, but understanding its purpose and how to properly fill it out ensures that your healthcare wishes are respected. Here are seven key takeaways to guide you through this process:

• Understand the Purpose: A DNR order is a legal document informing medical professionals not to perform CPR if your breathing stops or if your heart stops beating. It’s specifically for emergency situations where resuscitation would be the immediate response.
• Discuss with Your Doctor: Before filling out the form, have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider. This conversation should cover your health status, the pros and cons of resuscitation, and how a DNR aligns with your healthcare goals.
• Form Completion: The Maryland DNR form requires specific information to be filled out accurately, including your name, date of birth, and the precise medical orders. Make sure every detail is correct, as inaccuracies can lead to unwanted consequences.
• Signature Requirements: For a Maryland DNR order to be valid, it must be signed by both the patient (or their authorized healthcare decision maker) and the physician. These signatures are a critical step in the validation process.
• Keep it Accessible: Once signed, the DNR order should be kept in a place where it can be easily found by emergency personnel, such as on the refrigerator or in an easily accessible drawer. Inform family members or housemates of its location.
• Review and Update: Health situations can change, and it’s wise to review your DNR order periodically. If your health status or your wishes change, discuss these changes with your doctor, and update your DNR form as needed.
• Inform Your Family: It’s important to discuss your decision to have a DNR order with close family members or friends. This can help avoid confusion or conflict in an emergency situation, ensuring that your wishes are understood and honored.

Completing a Maryland DNR Order is a significant step in planning for your healthcare. It embodies your autonomy over your body and your right to decide the terms of your medical care in critical situations. Taking the time to carefully fill out and properly manage your DNR order can bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones.