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

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

   A Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that allows a person to refuse specific life-saving medical interventions, particularly cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. In Illinois, this order is designed to honor the wishes of individuals who prefer not to undergo aggressive resuscitation efforts.

2. Who can complete a DNR Order in Illinois?

   In Illinois, a DNR Order can be completed by an individual who is at least 18 years old and has the capacity to make medical decisions. Additionally, the form must be signed by a physician, confirming that the individual understands the implications of the order. For minors, a parent or legal guardian can initiate the process.

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

   You can obtain a DNR Order form through various sources:

   • Your healthcare provider or physician's office.
   • Hospitals or medical facilities.
   • Online through the Illinois Department of Public Health's website.

   Once you have the form, it's important to fill it out accurately and discuss it with your healthcare team.

4. 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 medical personnel. Consider the following options:

   • Keep a copy in your medical records.
   • Carry a wallet-sized version with you.
   • Post a copy in a visible location in your home, such as on the refrigerator.

   By ensuring its visibility, you help ensure that your wishes are respected in an emergency situation.

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 notify your healthcare provider and complete a new form if necessary. Make sure to inform family members and caregivers about any changes to ensure everyone is aware of your current wishes.

6. What happens if I do not have a DNR Order?

   If you do not have a DNR Order in place, medical personnel are required to perform resuscitation efforts if you experience cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. This can include CPR, intubation, and other life-saving measures. If you have specific preferences regarding your medical care, it is advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider and consider completing a DNR Order.

Filling out the Illinois Do Not Resuscitate Order form is a critical task that requires careful attention. One common mistake people make is not providing the necessary personal information. The form requires details such as the patient’s name, date of birth, and address. Omitting any of this information can lead to confusion and may render the document invalid.

Another frequent error is failing to sign the form. This may seem straightforward, but many individuals overlook this crucial step. Without a signature, the intent of the order is not legally recognized. It is essential to ensure that the form is signed by the patient or their authorized representative to make it effective.

People often misunderstand the purpose of the form, leading to incorrect selections. The Illinois Do Not Resuscitate Order is specific to situations where resuscitation is not desired. Some individuals mistakenly check options that contradict their wishes. It's important to read each section carefully and confirm that the choices reflect the patient’s true desires regarding medical treatment.

Lastly, many forget to distribute copies of the completed form. Once the Illinois Do Not Resuscitate Order is filled out correctly, it should be shared with healthcare providers and family members. This ensures that everyone involved in the patient’s care understands their wishes. Neglecting to do so can result in unwanted medical interventions during critical moments.

The Illinois Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) form is a critical document that outlines a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation efforts in the event of a medical emergency. Alongside this form, several other documents are commonly utilized to ensure that an individual's healthcare preferences are clearly communicated and honored. Below is a list of related forms and documents often used in conjunction with the Illinois DNR form.

• Advance Directive: This document outlines a person's healthcare preferences and can include instructions about medical treatments, including life-sustaining measures.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney: A legal document that designates an individual to make healthcare decisions on behalf of another person if they are unable to do so themselves.
• Living Will: A type of advance directive that specifies the types of medical treatment an individual wishes to receive or avoid in end-of-life situations.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): A medical order that outlines a patient's preferences for treatment in emergency situations, often more detailed than a DNR.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: A specific directive that indicates a patient does not wish to be intubated or placed on a ventilator, often used in conjunction with a DNR.
• Patient's Bill of Rights: A document that informs patients of their rights regarding medical care and treatment, ensuring they understand their options and protections.
• Medical History Form: A comprehensive form that provides healthcare providers with a patient's medical background, which can influence treatment decisions.
• Consent for Treatment: A form that grants permission for healthcare providers to administer specific treatments or procedures, ensuring informed consent is obtained.
• Organ Donation Consent Form: A document that indicates a person's wishes regarding organ donation, which can be crucial during end-of-life decisions.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Information: A form that provides essential medical information to EMS personnel, including allergies, medications, and existing medical conditions.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in ensuring that a person's healthcare wishes are respected and followed. They work together to create a comprehensive plan that addresses various aspects of medical care, particularly in critical situations.

The Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important document that outlines a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation efforts in case of a medical emergency. There are several other documents that share similarities with the DNR Order form. Here are six of them:

• Advance Healthcare Directive: This document allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences, including end-of-life care and medical treatment decisions, similar to the DNR's focus on resuscitation.
• Living Will: A living will specifies the types of medical treatment a person does or does not want in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes, just like a DNR order communicates preferences about resuscitation.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of a person if they become unable to do so themselves, aligning with the intent of a DNR to ensure wishes are respected.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST forms provide specific medical orders for patients with serious illnesses, similar to how a DNR communicates specific wishes regarding resuscitation.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: A DNI order specifically states that a patient does not want to be intubated, which is a more focused directive like the DNR regarding resuscitation efforts.
• Comfort Care Order: This document emphasizes providing comfort and palliative care instead of aggressive treatment, which aligns with the philosophy behind a DNR order to prioritize quality of life over resuscitation.

When filling out the Illinois Do Not Resuscitate Order form, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure your wishes are clearly communicated. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do ensure you fully understand the implications of a Do Not Resuscitate Order.
• Do discuss your decision with your healthcare provider and loved ones.
• Do complete the form in clear, legible handwriting or type it out.
• Do sign and date the form to validate it.
• Do keep copies of the completed form for your records and share them with your healthcare team.

• Don't leave any sections of the form blank; fill in all required information.
• Don't use vague language; be specific about your wishes.
• Don't assume that verbal instructions are sufficient; always have a written order.
• Don't forget to review and update the form as your situation or preferences change.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Do Not Resuscitate Order accurately reflects your healthcare preferences.

Many people have misunderstandings about the Illinois Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form. Addressing these misconceptions can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare preferences. Here are four common misconceptions:

• A DNR means that no medical care will be provided. This is not true. A DNR order specifically addresses the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest. Other medical treatments and interventions will still be provided unless specified otherwise.
• Only terminally ill patients can have a DNR order. This misconception is misleading. Any individual, regardless of their health status, can choose to have a DNR order if they wish to avoid CPR in case of a cardiac arrest. It’s a personal choice that reflects one’s values and preferences.
• A DNR order is permanent and cannot be changed. In reality, a DNR order can be revoked or modified at any time. If circumstances change or if a person’s wishes evolve, they can update their DNR order to reflect their current desires.
• The DNR form must be completed by a doctor. While a physician's signature is required for the DNR to be valid, the decision to have a DNR order is ultimately made by the individual or their legal representative. The form serves to communicate the individual’s wishes to healthcare providers.

Understanding these points can clarify the purpose and implications of a DNR order, helping individuals navigate their healthcare decisions more effectively.

Filling out and using the Illinois Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) form is an important process for individuals who wish to express their preferences regarding resuscitation in medical emergencies. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• The DNR form must be completed and signed by a physician. This ensures that your wishes are documented and recognized by healthcare providers.
• It is essential to discuss your decision with family members and healthcare professionals. Open conversations can help ensure everyone understands your preferences.
• Keep copies of the DNR order in accessible locations. Having multiple copies can help ensure that your wishes are followed in any medical setting.
• Make sure to inform your healthcare providers about the DNR order. They need to be aware of your preferences to respect your wishes during emergencies.
• The DNR order can be revoked at any time. If your wishes change, simply inform your physician and destroy any copies of the previous order.
• Consider reviewing the DNR order periodically. As health conditions change, your preferences may evolve, and it's important to keep your documents up to date.