Attorney-Approved Do Not Resuscitate Order Form for the State of Delaware

Detailed Guide for Filling Out Delaware Do Not Resuscitate Order

When someone decides that they do not wish to receive CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in the event of a cardiac arrest, a Delaware Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form needs to be completed. This document is critical as it communicates the individual's wishes to medical personnel. Completing the DNR form correctly ensures that these wishes are legally recognized. Below are the step-by-step instructions to correctly fill out the Delaware DNR Order form.

1. Begin by thoroughly reading the instructions provided with the form. These instructions are crucial for understanding the requirements and implications of the DNR order.
2. Enter the full legal name of the individual for whom the DNR order is being requested in the designated space on the form. This ensures that there can be no confusion regarding the identity of the individual the DNR applies to.
3. Fill in the date of birth of the individual to further confirm their identity. This is especially important in avoiding mix-ups in settings where multiple individuals might share a name.
4. Complete the section that asks for the address of the individual. This information is used for additional verification of identity and for record-keeping purposes.
5. A section of the form requires the signature of the individual or their legally authorized representative if the individual is unable to sign for themselves. Ensure that this section is signed, as the form is not legally binding without a signature.
6. Have the form signed by the attending physician. The physician’s signature verifies that the DNR order has been discussed with the individual (or their representative) and that the individual is fully informed when making this decision.
7. Ensure all other required fields and sections of the form are completed, including any witness signatures if applicable. Every field is important for the legal standing and clarity of the DNR order.
8. Finally, review the form in its entirety to ensure that all information is accurate and all necessary sections are completed. Errors or omissions could lead to confusion or the DNR not being honored in an emergency situation.

Once the Delaware Do Not Resuscitate Order form is fully completed and signed, it should be placed in a location where it can be quickly and easily accessed by emergency responders, such as on the refrigerator or near the bed of the individual. Additionally, inform family members, close friends, and caregivers about the existence and location of the DNR order, so they can inform medical personnel in an emergency.

1. What is a Delaware Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form?

   A Delaware Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a legal document that communicates a person's wish not to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if their heart stops beating or they stop breathing. This order is used to inform healthcare professionals and emergency responders of this decision in advance, ensuring that the individual's medical preferences are respected during an emergency.

2. Who can initiate a DNR order in Delaware?

   In Delaware, a DNR order can be initiated by an individual who is of sound mind and has reached the age of 18 or by the individual's legal guardian or power of attorney if the individual is unable to make such decisions. The decision should be discussed with a healthcare provider, who will assess the individual's health status and advise on the suitability of a DNR order.

3. How can one obtain a DNR order in Delaware?

   To obtain a DNR order in Delaware, an individual must consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the implications and significance of the order. The healthcare provider, upon agreement with the patient's decision, will fill out and sign the DNR order form. The individual, or their authorized decision-maker, must also provide their signature to validate the order.

4. Where does one submit the completed DNR order form?

   Once completed, the DNR order form does not need to be submitted to any state or local agency in Delaware. Instead, the individual should keep the original form in a place where it can be easily accessed by emergency responders, such as on the refrigerator or in a wallet. Copies should also be provided to the individual's primary healthcare provider and any facilities where they receive care.

5. Is the Delaware DNR order recognized outside of the state?

   Delaware DNR orders may not be recognized automatically in other states, as laws and regulations regarding DNR orders can vary. However, if a Delaware resident travels outside the state, it is advisable to carry the DNR order form with them. Healthcare providers and emergency responders in other states will generally respect a clearly indicated wish not to receive CPR, particularly when presented with a formal DNR order.

6. Can a DNR order be revoked?

   Yes, in Delaware, an individual can revoke their DNR order at any time if they change their mind. This can be done by informing their healthcare provider verbally or in writing. It is crucial to also retrieve and destroy all copies of the DNR order form to prevent confusion among healthcare professionals and family members.

7. Does having a DNR order affect other medical treatments?

   Having a DNR order in place specifically addresses the person's wish not to receive CPR in the event their breathing or heartbeat stops. It does not impact the provision of other forms of medical treatment or comfort care. The individual can still receive treatments for pain, breathing difficulties, and other medical interventions that improve the quality of their life, unless otherwise specified in an advanced healthcare directive or similar documentation.

When individuals fill out the Delaware Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, several common mistakes can lead to confusion or the order not being followed as intended. Avoiding these errors is crucial to ensure that an individual's healthcare wishes are respected in emergency situations.

1. Not using the patient's full legal name is a frequent mistake. The full legal name should be used instead of nicknames, ensuring that the document matches other legal identification and healthcare records.

2. Leaving the date of birth blank or incorrectly filling it out is another error. The date of birth is essential for verifying the identity of the person to whom the DNR applies, especially in emergency situations.

3. Omitting the signature of the patient or their authorized representative can invalidate the form. If the patient is unable, a legally authorized representative must sign the form for it to be considered valid.

4. Failing to get the form signed by a physician is a critical mistake. A physician's signature is required to certify the patient's need for a DNR and approve the order.

5. Incorrectly filling out or overlooking the section that differentiates between pre-hospital and hospital DNR orders is common. Delaware may require clear indications of where the DNR order is to be applied; thus, clarity in this section is vital.

6. Not providing a copy of the completed form to the patient’s primary healthcare provider can lead to miscommunication in emergency situations. Having the form in the patient's medical record is crucial for ensuring the DNR order is respected.

7. Failure to review and renew the form as necessary. DNR orders may need to be reviewed periodically to ensure they still represent the patient's current wishes and contain up-to-date information.

8. Not discussing the completed form with family members or caregivers can lead to confusion and conflict in emergency situations. It’s important for family members and caregivers to understand the patient’s wishes and be prepared to advocate on their behalf.

To sum up, filling out the Delaware Do Not Resuscitate Order correctly is paramount. By avoiding these mistakes, individuals can ensure that their healthcare wishes are clearly communicated and can be followed by healthcare professionals in critical situations. Careful attention to detail and open communication with healthcare providers and family members can help prevent errors and ensure the document's effectiveness.

In healthcare, particularly at the end of life, the array of forms and documents required can seem overwhelming. The Delaware Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is one such document that directs medical personnel not to perform CPR on a patient. However, it's often just one piece of the puzzle. Accompanying this pivotal document are several others, each serving a unique purpose, yet all contribute to ensuring a patient's wishes are known and adhered to. Below is a list of these documents, which, together with a DNR, provide comprehensive guidance for healthcare providers and peace of mind for patients and their families.

• Advance Directive: This is a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment, made to ensure those wishes are carried out should the person be unable to communicate them to a doctor.
• Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy): A legal document that appoints someone else to make medical decisions on a patient's behalf if they are unable to do so themselves.
• Living Will: A type of advance directive that lays out specific instructions about medical treatment if a person becomes terminally ill or permanently unconscious and unable to make decisions about emergency treatment.
• POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): A medical order indicating a patient’s wishes regarding treatments that are commonly used in a medical crisis, which complements the DNR and provides more detailed wishes.
• Will: A legal document expressing a person's wishes as to how their property is to be distributed after their death and which might also appoint a guardian for minor children.
• Medical Records Release Form: A document that gives healthcare providers permission to share a patient’s medical records with other designated professionals or family members.
• Authorization for Final Disposition: A document that specifies a person’s preferences for their funeral, burial, cremation, etc., and may designate someone to carry these wishes out.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Release Form: This form allows healthcare providers to discuss a patient’s health information with designated individuals, such as family members or other caregivers.
• Organ and Tissue Donation Registration: A form that records a person's consent to donate their organs and tissues upon death.
• Emergency Contact Form: Lists a patient’s preferred contacts for emergencies, including names, relationship to the patient, and contact information.

Navigating end-of-life care involves not just the medical or physical aspects but also the legal and emotional ones. Each document, from the Delaware Do Not Resuscitate Order form to the Emergency Contact Form, serves to ensure that the care and treatment provided align with the patient’s wishes and the needs of their families. Understanding and completing these documents can be a reassuring step towards comprehensive planning for everyone involved.

The Delaware Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is similar to the Advanced Directive form. Both documents provide instructions about healthcare preferences in circumstances where an individual cannot communicate their wishes. While a DNR specifically directs emergency medical personnel not to perform CPR, an Advance Directive may cover a broader range of medical interventions and potential situations beyond cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Comparable to the DNR, a Medical Power of Attorney document also addresses healthcare decisions when a person is unable to make them. Whereas a DNR order communicates a single critical decision, a Medical Power of Attorney appoints an agent to make a variety of healthcare decisions on behalf of the person, potentially including the enforcement of a DNR.

Similar to the DNR order, a Living Will provides instructions for end-of-life care but is broader in scope. While a DNR specifically declines resuscitation attempts, a Living Will may include wishes regarding the use of ventilators, feeding tubes, and other life-sustaining measures in addition to or instead of resuscitation preferences.

The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form also mirrors the DNR in its purpose but is more comprehensive. Both documents guide emergency medical professionals and healthcare providers on treatments during a medical crisis. However, the POLST covers a wider array of instructions, including but not limited to CPR, intubation, antibiotic use, and artificial nutrition.

Similar to a DNR, a Healthcare Proxy is another legal document related to healthcare decisions. While a DNR directly addresses the desire not to undergo CPR, a Healthcare Proxy designates someone to make overall healthcare decisions for the individual. This can include the implementation or refusal of a DNR order based on the patient's condition and previously expressed wishes.

The Five Wishes Document, akin to the DNR, addresses end-of-life care preferences but in a broader and more detailed manner. It includes personal, emotional, and spiritual wishes alongside medical ones like the DNR directive. While a DNR is focused solely on the decision about CPR, the Five Wishes Document encompasses a full range of life-support treatment preferences and posthumous wishes.

Another document similar to the Delaware DNR Order is the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) DNR order, which is specifically designed for pre-hospital situations. Both documents inform emergency personnel about the wish to forego resuscitation. However, the EMS DNR is typically more specific to the setting of emergency medical care outside the hospital, while the standard DNR is applicable in broader contexts including hospitals and long-term care facilities.

The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is another document related to healthcare decisions, similar to the DNR. Like a Medical Power of Attorney, it allows an individual to designate an agent to make healthcare decisions if they become incapacitated. While it can encompass decisions about life-sustaining treatment, including DNR orders, its scope is broader, covering all aspects of personal healthcare.

The Last Will and Testament, while primarily focused on the distribution of assets after death, occasionally touches upon preferences for end-of-life care, reminiscent of the DNR's scope. Though it's used after death and doesn't directly influence medical treatment decisions like a DNR, it can express the individual's wishes for funeral arrangements and sometimes includes instructions that reflect the person’s healthcare preferences.

In Delaware, a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a vital legal document that instructs health care providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. It's crucial to approach this document with precision and understanding. Here's a list of things you should and shouldn't do when filling out the Delaware Do Not Resuscitate Order form:

• Do verify your eligibility to request a DNR order by consulting with your healthcare provider. Delaware law may have specific requirements and conditions under which a DNR order can be issued.
• Do read the instructions provided with the form carefully. Understanding each section’s requirement ensures that the form is filled out accurately.
• Do ensure that all required information is filled in. Incomplete forms may not be legally valid or recognized during an emergency.
• Do sign and date the form as specified. In some cases, a witness or notarization may be required for the form to be valid.
• Do discuss your decision with your family, loved ones, or caregivers. It's important that they understand your wishes and the implications of a DNR order.
• Don't wait until you are too ill to make this decision. It's better to consider these decisions while you are in a state of good health and able to discuss your choices with your healthcare provider and your family.
• Don't fill out the form without thorough discussion with a licensed healthcare provider. They can provide necessary insights and clarify any doubts about the implications of a DNR order.
• Don't forget to distribute copies of the completed and signed form. Your healthcare provider, close family members, and possibly your attorney should have a copy.
• Don't disregard state laws and regulations. The form and its execution must comply with Delaware's legal requirements to ensure it's honored at the necessary time.