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

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

   A Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that allows a person to refuse resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. In Colorado, this order is intended to guide medical personnel in respecting the wishes of individuals who do not wish to receive life-saving measures such as CPR or advanced cardiac life support.

2. Who can request a DNR Order in Colorado?

   In Colorado, a DNR Order can be requested by individuals who are at least 18 years old and are capable of making informed decisions about their medical care. Additionally, a legally authorized representative, such as a guardian or a healthcare proxy, may also request a DNR on behalf of an individual who is unable to make decisions for themselves.

3. How is a DNR Order created in Colorado?

   To create a DNR Order in Colorado, an individual must complete the state-approved DNR form. This form must be signed by the individual and their physician. It is essential that the form clearly states the individual's wishes regarding resuscitation. Once completed, the form should be kept in an accessible location and shared with healthcare providers and family members.

4. What should I do with my DNR Order once it is completed?

   After completing the DNR Order, it is crucial to keep multiple copies of the document. Share copies with your healthcare provider, family members, and anyone involved in your care. It is also advisable to carry a copy with you, especially when visiting hospitals or emergency care facilities, to ensure that your wishes are known and respected in critical situations.

5. Can a DNR Order be revoked or changed?

   Yes, a DNR Order can be revoked or changed at any time. If an individual decides to change their mind about resuscitation efforts, they can do so by destroying the existing DNR form and creating a new one. It is important to inform healthcare providers and family members about any changes to ensure that your current wishes are understood.

6. Will a DNR Order affect other medical treatments?

   A DNR Order specifically addresses resuscitation efforts and does not impact other medical treatments. Patients with a DNR Order can still receive all other appropriate medical care, including pain management, medications, and other interventions. The DNR Order solely indicates that the individual does not wish to be resuscitated in the event of cardiac or respiratory failure.

When completing the Colorado Do Not Resuscitate Order form, individuals often make several common mistakes that can lead to confusion or complications in critical situations. One frequent error is failing to provide clear and specific instructions. The form requires explicit language to ensure that medical personnel understand the individual’s wishes. Ambiguous phrases or incomplete sentences can result in misinterpretation, potentially leading to unwanted resuscitation efforts.

Another mistake is neglecting to sign and date the form. A signature is essential for the document to be legally binding. Without it, healthcare providers may not recognize the order as valid. Additionally, the date is crucial, as it indicates when the wishes were expressed. An unsigned or undated form can create unnecessary delays and stress during medical emergencies.

People also often forget to discuss their decisions with family members and healthcare providers. Open communication is vital. When loved ones are unaware of the individual’s wishes, it can lead to conflicts or confusion during critical moments. Having a conversation ensures that everyone is on the same page and can support the individual’s choices.

Finally, individuals may overlook the importance of reviewing and updating the Do Not Resuscitate Order regularly. Life circumstances can change, and so can one’s preferences regarding medical treatment. It is essential to revisit the form periodically and make any necessary adjustments. This practice ensures that the document accurately reflects current wishes and provides peace of mind for both the individual and their family.

When considering end-of-life care options, individuals often use the Colorado Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form alongside other important documents. Each of these forms serves a unique purpose in ensuring that a person's healthcare wishes are respected. Below are five commonly used documents that complement the DNR Order.

• Advance Directive: This document outlines an individual's preferences for medical treatment in situations where they may not be able to communicate their wishes. It can include decisions about life-sustaining treatments and appoint a healthcare proxy.
• Medical Power of Attorney: This legal document designates a person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of another individual if they become incapacitated. It ensures that someone trusted can advocate for the individual's wishes.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): A POLST form translates a patient's preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments into actionable medical orders. It is intended for individuals with serious illnesses and is recognized by healthcare providers.
• Living Will: This document specifies what types of medical treatment an individual does or does not want in the event of terminal illness or irreversible conditions. It provides guidance to healthcare providers and family members.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: Similar to a DNR, a DNI order specifically instructs healthcare providers not to insert a breathing tube in the event of respiratory failure. It is often used in conjunction with a DNR order.

Understanding these documents can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It is crucial to have clear communication with loved ones and healthcare providers to ensure that one's wishes are honored during critical moments.

• Living Will: This document outlines an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they are unable to communicate. Like a Do Not Resuscitate Order, a living will can specify preferences about life-sustaining measures and end-of-life care.

• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This legal document allows a person to designate another individual to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. Similar to a DNR, it focuses on health care preferences and can include instructions about resuscitation.

• POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): A POLST form is used to communicate a patient's preferences regarding medical treatment in emergency situations. It is similar to a DNR in that it provides specific instructions to healthcare providers about the level of care desired.

• Advance Directive: An advance directive is a broader term that encompasses various documents, including living wills and durable powers of attorney. It allows individuals to express their wishes regarding medical care, including decisions about resuscitation.

• Health Care Proxy: This document appoints someone to make health care decisions for an individual if they are unable to do so. It is similar to a DNR in that it can address preferences about resuscitation and other life-sustaining treatments.

When filling out the Colorado Do Not Resuscitate Order form, it is essential to approach the process with care. Here are some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

• Do ensure that you fully understand the implications of a Do Not Resuscitate Order.
• Do discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider and family members.
• Do fill out the form clearly and legibly to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Do sign and date the form in the appropriate sections.

• Don't leave any sections of the form blank, as this may lead to confusion.
• Don't forget to review the form periodically to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
• Don't assume that verbal instructions will be sufficient; written documentation is crucial.
• Don't neglect to share copies of the completed form with your healthcare providers and loved ones.

Many people have misconceptions about the Colorado Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form. Understanding the facts can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare preferences. Here are nine common misconceptions:

1. A DNR means no medical care at all. This is not true. A DNR specifically refers to the decision not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest. Other medical treatments and care can still be provided.
2. Only terminally ill patients need a DNR. While many people with terminal illnesses choose to have a DNR, anyone can request one. It is a personal choice based on individual values and preferences regarding end-of-life care.
3. A DNR is a legally binding document. Yes, a properly completed and signed DNR order is legally binding. Medical professionals are required to follow the wishes expressed in the document, provided it meets state requirements.
4. A DNR can be created verbally. In Colorado, a DNR must be in writing and signed by the patient or their authorized representative. Verbal requests are not sufficient to create a legal DNR order.
5. You cannot change your mind about a DNR. This is a misconception. Individuals have the right to revoke or modify their DNR orders at any time. It is important to communicate any changes to healthcare providers.
6. A DNR applies in all situations. A DNR specifically applies to situations involving cardiac arrest. It does not affect other medical interventions, such as pain management or comfort care.
7. Having a DNR means you will receive less care. This is not accurate. A DNR order does not imply a lack of care. Patients with a DNR can still receive comprehensive medical treatment, including palliative care.
8. Healthcare providers can ignore a DNR order. Healthcare providers are legally obligated to honor a valid DNR order. Ignoring it could result in legal consequences for the medical staff involved.
9. A DNR is only for hospitals. DNR orders can be used in various settings, including homes, nursing facilities, and hospice care. It is essential to ensure that the order is communicated effectively in all care environments.

Understanding these misconceptions can empower individuals to make informed choices about their healthcare preferences. It is crucial to have open discussions with healthcare providers and loved ones about DNR orders and what they entail.

The Colorado Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important legal document for individuals who wish to express their preferences regarding resuscitation efforts in the event of a medical emergency. Below are key takeaways regarding the completion and use of this form.

• The DNR Order must be signed by a licensed physician to be valid.
• Patients or their legal representatives should discuss their wishes with healthcare providers before completing the form.
• The form should clearly state the patient's desire not to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• It is advisable to keep the DNR Order in an easily accessible location, such as on the refrigerator or in a medical file.
• Healthcare providers are required to honor the DNR Order in all medical settings, including hospitals and emergency services.
• Patients can revoke the DNR Order at any time, and this revocation should be documented.
• Family members should be informed of the existence of the DNR Order to avoid confusion during emergencies.
• The DNR Order does not affect other medical treatments or interventions unless specified.
• It is important to review the DNR Order periodically, especially if there are changes in health status.
• Individuals should ensure that copies of the DNR Order are provided to all relevant healthcare providers.