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

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

   A Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that allows individuals to refuse resuscitation efforts in the event of a medical emergency. This means that if your heart stops beating or you stop breathing, medical personnel will not perform CPR or other life-saving measures. The DNR order reflects your wishes regarding end-of-life care.

2. Who can request a DNR Order in Arkansas?

   In Arkansas, a DNR order can be requested by a patient who is at least 18 years old and has the capacity to make medical decisions. If the patient is unable to make decisions, a legally authorized representative, such as a family member or guardian, may request the order on their behalf.

3. How do I obtain a DNR Order form in Arkansas?

   You can obtain a DNR Order form from various sources, including hospitals, healthcare providers, and online resources. It is important to ensure that the form you use complies with Arkansas state laws. After filling out the form, it must be signed by a physician and the patient or their representative.

4. What should I do after completing the DNR Order?

   Once the DNR Order is completed and signed, make multiple copies. Keep one copy in a visible location at home, such as on the refrigerator, and provide copies to your healthcare providers. It is also advisable to inform family members and caregivers about your wishes to ensure they are respected in an emergency.

5. Can I change or revoke my DNR Order?

   Yes, you can change or revoke your DNR Order at any time. To do this, simply complete a new DNR Order form and ensure it is signed and distributed as needed. You can also verbally communicate your wishes to your healthcare provider, but it is best to have a written document for clarity.

6. Will a DNR Order affect my overall medical care?

   A DNR Order specifically pertains to resuscitation efforts and does not limit other types of medical care. You will continue to receive all other necessary treatments, including pain management and comfort care. It is crucial to discuss your overall healthcare goals with your medical team to ensure that your wishes are fully understood.

When filling out the Arkansas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, people often make several common mistakes. These errors can lead to confusion or even unwanted medical interventions. Understanding these pitfalls can help ensure that your wishes are clearly communicated.

One frequent mistake is not providing a signature. The DNR form requires the signature of the patient or their legal representative. Without this signature, the document may not be valid. Always double-check that all necessary signatures are present before submitting the form.

Another common error is failing to date the form. A DNR Order must include the date it was completed. This date is essential because it indicates when the order was made. Without it, medical personnel may question the validity of the document.

Some individuals overlook the importance of clear and specific language. Using vague terms can lead to misunderstandings about what the DNR Order entails. Be explicit about your wishes to ensure that healthcare providers understand your preferences.

Additionally, people sometimes forget to communicate their DNR status to family members and healthcare providers. It’s crucial to discuss your wishes with loved ones and ensure that your medical team is aware of the DNR Order. This communication helps avoid confusion during critical moments.

Lastly, individuals may not keep a copy of the DNR Order for themselves. Having a personal copy is important for quick reference and to ensure that your wishes are honored. Store it in a safe but accessible place, and consider providing copies to your healthcare providers.

When considering end-of-life care options in Arkansas, several important documents accompany the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in ensuring that a person's healthcare preferences are respected. Below is a list of commonly used forms that work in conjunction with the DNR Order.

• Advance Directive: This document outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment and appoints a healthcare proxy to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.
• Living Will: A type of advance directive, a living will specifies the types of medical treatments a person does or does not want in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney: This form designates an individual to make healthcare decisions for someone if they are incapacitated. It is separate from the DNR but can work in tandem with it.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): This document translates a patient's treatment preferences into actionable medical orders. It is often used for individuals with serious health conditions.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: Similar to a DNR, this order specifically states that a patient should not be intubated if they cannot breathe on their own.
• Comfort Care Order: This order focuses on providing comfort and pain relief without aggressive medical interventions, ensuring a peaceful end-of-life experience.
• Medical Records Release Form: This document allows healthcare providers to share a patient’s medical information with designated individuals, ensuring that their healthcare proxy has access to necessary information.

Understanding these documents can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare preferences. Each form serves a specific purpose and together they create a comprehensive plan that reflects a person's wishes during critical health situations.

• Living Will: A living will outlines an individual's preferences regarding medical treatment in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes. Like a Do Not Resuscitate Order, it is designed to ensure that a person's healthcare choices are respected, particularly in end-of-life scenarios.
• Health Care Proxy: This document allows an individual to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. Similar to a DNR, it emphasizes the importance of having a trusted person advocate for one's medical preferences.
• Advance Directive: An advance directive combines elements of both a living will and a health care proxy. It provides clear instructions for medical care and designates a representative to make decisions, ensuring that personal wishes are honored even when one is incapacitated.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): A POLST form translates a patient's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments into actionable medical orders. Like a DNR, it is intended for individuals with serious health conditions and serves as a guide for healthcare providers in emergencies.
• Do Not Intubate Order: This document specifically instructs healthcare providers not to insert a breathing tube in case of respiratory failure. It shares similarities with a DNR in that it reflects a patient’s wishes to avoid invasive life-saving measures.

When filling out the Arkansas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it's essential to approach the task with care and consideration. Here are some important things to keep in mind.

• Do ensure that you understand the implications of a DNR order. This document indicates that you do not wish to receive CPR or other life-saving measures in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
• Do discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider. They can provide valuable insights and help clarify any questions you may have.
• Do make sure that the form is filled out completely and accurately. Missing information can lead to confusion during a medical emergency.
• Don't sign the form without fully understanding its contents. Take your time to read and comprehend what you are agreeing to.
• Don't forget to share copies of the completed form with your family, healthcare providers, and anyone involved in your care. This ensures that your wishes are known and respected.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your DNR order reflects your wishes and is properly respected in a medical setting.

Understanding the Arkansas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is essential for patients and their families. However, several misconceptions often cloud its purpose and function. Here are nine common misconceptions:

1. A DNR means no medical care at all. Many people believe that a DNR order signifies a complete withdrawal of all medical treatment. In reality, a DNR only applies to resuscitation efforts. Patients can still receive other forms of medical care.
2. DNR orders are only for terminal patients. Some think that only those diagnosed with terminal illnesses can have a DNR order. However, anyone can choose a DNR, regardless of their health status, if they wish to avoid resuscitation.
3. A DNR is permanent and cannot be changed. This is incorrect. A DNR order can be revoked or modified at any time by the patient or their authorized representative.
4. All healthcare providers must honor a DNR order. While most healthcare providers will respect a DNR, it’s crucial to ensure that the order is properly documented and recognized by the facility or provider involved in the patient's care.
5. A DNR form is the same as an advance directive. While both documents relate to end-of-life decisions, they serve different purposes. An advance directive outlines broader healthcare preferences, while a DNR specifically addresses resuscitation efforts.
6. Only doctors can fill out a DNR order. Patients, along with their healthcare providers, can fill out a DNR order. The patient’s wishes are paramount in this process.
7. A DNR order is only valid in hospitals. A DNR order can be valid in various settings, including at home, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, as long as it is recognized by the healthcare providers present.
8. Having a DNR means I will die alone. Many fear that having a DNR will lead to inadequate care or abandonment. In truth, a DNR order does not change the level of comfort and care provided by healthcare professionals.
9. All states have the same DNR laws. DNR laws vary by state. It’s essential to understand the specific regulations and requirements for DNR orders in Arkansas.

By addressing these misconceptions, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare preferences and ensure that their wishes are respected.

When filling out and using the Arkansas Do Not Resuscitate Order form, consider the following key takeaways:

• The form must be completed and signed by a licensed physician to be valid.
• It is essential to discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider and family members.
• Keep a copy of the completed form in a place where it can be easily accessed by medical personnel.
• The order applies only to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and does not affect other medical treatments.
• Review and update the form periodically to ensure it reflects your current wishes.