Attorney-Approved Do Not Resuscitate Order Document for the State of Arizona

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

   A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) is a legal document that allows a person to refuse certain life-saving medical interventions, specifically cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. In Arizona, a DNR order must be signed by a physician and is typically intended for individuals with terminal illnesses or those who wish to avoid aggressive medical interventions at the end of life.

2. How do I obtain a DNR Order in Arizona?

   To obtain a DNR order, you must first discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider. If your provider agrees that a DNR is appropriate, they will complete the Arizona DNR form, which includes your name, the physician's signature, and the date. It is essential to keep copies of this document in accessible locations, such as with your medical records or with family members.

3. Where should I keep my DNR Order?

   It is crucial to keep your DNR order in a place where it can be easily accessed by emergency medical personnel. Consider the following options:

   • Place a copy in your medical records at your healthcare provider's office.
   • Keep a copy in your home, ideally near your bed or on your refrigerator.
   • Provide copies to family members or caregivers who may need to present it in an emergency.

4. Can a DNR Order be revoked?

   Yes, a DNR order can be revoked at any time. If you decide to change your mind, simply inform your healthcare provider and destroy any copies of the DNR order. You may also want to create a new document that clearly states your current wishes regarding resuscitation. It is important to communicate any changes to family members and caregivers to ensure they are aware of your preferences.

Completing the Arizona Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to confusion or unintended consequences. One frequent error is failing to provide clear and specific instructions regarding the desired level of medical care. The DNR form should clearly state that the individual does not wish to receive resuscitation efforts, but some people may leave out important details or use vague language. This can lead to misunderstandings among medical personnel during critical moments.

Another mistake often made is not having the form properly signed and witnessed. The Arizona DNR Order requires the signatures of both the patient and a witness. If either signature is missing, the form may not be valid. Additionally, the witness must not be a family member or anyone who stands to gain from the individual’s death. Ensuring that the right individuals sign the document is crucial for its acceptance in medical settings.

People also frequently neglect to communicate their wishes to family members and healthcare providers. Even if the DNR form is filled out correctly, it is essential to discuss these preferences with loved ones and medical staff. This open dialogue helps to avoid confusion or disputes during emergencies. Without proper communication, the intent behind the DNR order may not be respected when it matters most.

Lastly, individuals may overlook the need to review and update their DNR orders regularly. Life circumstances change, and so do medical preferences. It is important to revisit the DNR form periodically to ensure that it still reflects the individual's wishes. Failing to do so can result in a document that no longer aligns with the person’s current desires, potentially leading to unwanted medical interventions.

When considering end-of-life care, it's crucial to have the right documents in place. The Arizona Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) form is an important part of this planning, but it often goes hand-in-hand with several other forms and documents. Each of these plays a unique role in ensuring your healthcare wishes are respected. Below is a list of related documents that can help streamline your healthcare decisions.

• Advance Directive: This document outlines your preferences for medical treatment in situations where you cannot communicate your wishes. It can include specific instructions about life-sustaining measures and other types of care.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney: This form designates a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. It’s crucial to choose someone who understands your values and wishes.
• Living Will: A living will provides specific instructions about what medical treatments you do or do not want if you become terminally ill or incapacitated. This document can guide healthcare providers in making decisions aligned with your wishes.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): This is a medical order that specifies the types of life-sustaining treatments you want or do not want. It is particularly useful for individuals with serious health conditions.
• Organ Donation Form: If you wish to donate your organs after death, this form indicates your consent. It’s essential to communicate your wishes to family members as well.
• Do Not Intubate Order: This document specifies that you do not wish to be placed on a ventilator or receive intubation in the event of respiratory failure, complementing the DNR.
• Do Not Hospitalize Order: This form indicates that you do not wish to be admitted to a hospital for treatment. It’s particularly relevant for individuals in hospice or palliative care.
• Personal Health Record: Maintaining a personal health record can help ensure that your healthcare providers have access to your medical history, medications, and preferences, making it easier to follow your wishes.
• Funeral Planning Documents: These documents outline your preferences for funeral arrangements, including burial or cremation. Having this information can relieve your loved ones of difficult decisions during a challenging time.

Being proactive about your healthcare wishes is essential. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and can provide clarity and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Ensure that your choices are documented and communicated clearly, so your wishes are respected when it matters most.

• Living Will: This document outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate your wishes. Like a DNR, it focuses on end-of-life care.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. It complements a DNR by ensuring your wishes are honored.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): Similar to a DNR, this form provides specific medical orders regarding your treatment preferences in emergency situations.
• Advance Healthcare Directive: This combines a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare. It allows you to express your wishes and designate someone to make decisions for you.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: This document specifically states that you do not want to be intubated in case of respiratory failure, focusing on a particular aspect of medical care.
• Comfort Care Order: This document emphasizes the provision of comfort measures rather than aggressive treatment, aligning with the intentions behind a DNR.
• Healthcare Proxy: Similar to a durable power of attorney, this allows someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you are incapacitated, ensuring that your preferences, including those in a DNR, are respected.

When filling out the Arizona Do Not Resuscitate Order form, it's important to be clear and accurate. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Do ensure that the form is signed by the patient or their legal representative.
• Do provide clear and complete information about the patient.
• Do keep a copy of the signed form for your records.
• Do discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider.

• Don't leave any sections of the form blank.
• Don't use the form if the patient is not competent to make their own decisions.
• Don't forget to review the form periodically to ensure it reflects current wishes.
• Don't assume that verbal instructions are sufficient; written documentation is necessary.

Understanding the Arizona Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are four common misconceptions:

1. A DNR order means you will not receive any medical care.

   This is not true. A DNR order specifically pertains to resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac arrest. Patients with a DNR still receive all other necessary medical treatments and interventions, except for those that would attempt to restart the heart.

2. You can only have a DNR order if you are terminally ill.

   This misconception is widespread but incorrect. Anyone can request a DNR order, regardless of their current health status. The decision should reflect personal wishes about resuscitation in case of a life-threatening event.

3. A DNR order is permanent and cannot be changed.

   This is misleading. A DNR order can be revoked or modified at any time by the patient or their authorized representative. It is essential to communicate any changes to healthcare providers to ensure that your wishes are respected.

4. Healthcare providers are required to follow a DNR order in all situations.

   While healthcare providers must honor a valid DNR order, there are specific circumstances where they may not be able to do so. For example, if the order is unclear or if it conflicts with hospital policies, providers may need to seek clarification before proceeding.

Being informed about these misconceptions can help individuals make better choices regarding their healthcare preferences and ensure that their wishes are honored. Always consult with a healthcare professional when considering a DNR order to fully understand its implications.

Filling out and using the Arizona Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important step for individuals who wish to communicate their preferences regarding medical treatment in emergency situations. Here are some key takeaways to consider:

• Understanding the Purpose: The DNR Order is a legal document that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's heart stops beating or they stop breathing.
• Eligibility: Anyone can fill out a DNR Order, but it is particularly relevant for individuals with serious health conditions or those who wish to avoid aggressive life-saving measures.
• Signature Requirements: The form must be signed by the patient or their legal representative. It also requires the signature of a physician to validate the order.
• Distribution of Copies: Once completed, it is crucial to provide copies of the DNR Order to family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers to ensure that your wishes are respected in an emergency.