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

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

   A Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that allows a person to refuse certain life-saving medical treatments in the event of a cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. In Kansas, this order is specifically designed to inform healthcare providers that a patient does not wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other resuscitative measures.

2. Who can request a DNR Order in Kansas?

   In Kansas, a DNR Order can be requested by a competent adult or a legally authorized representative. This could be a family member or a designated healthcare proxy. It’s important that the individual understands the implications of the order before making such a decision.

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

   You can obtain a DNR Order form from various sources, including hospitals, healthcare providers, and online resources. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also provides access to the official form. Make sure to use the most current version to ensure it meets legal requirements.

4. What information is needed to complete the DNR Order form?

   The form requires basic information such as the patient’s name, date of birth, and a statement of their wishes regarding resuscitation. Additionally, it must be signed by the patient or their authorized representative and witnessed by a qualified individual. Proper completion is crucial for the order to be valid.

5. Is a DNR Order valid in all healthcare settings?

   Yes, a properly executed DNR Order is valid in all healthcare settings in Kansas, including hospitals, nursing homes, and at home. However, it is advisable to inform all healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care about the existence of the DNR Order to ensure that it is honored.

6. Can a DNR Order be revoked?

   Absolutely. A DNR Order can be revoked at any time by the patient or their authorized representative. To do this, simply destroy the original document and inform healthcare providers about the change in wishes. It’s essential to communicate any revocation clearly to ensure that the patient’s current preferences are understood.

Filling out the Kansas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a critical process for individuals who wish to express their preferences regarding medical treatment in emergencies. However, several common mistakes can lead to confusion or misinterpretation of the individual's wishes. Awareness of these pitfalls can help ensure that the form is completed correctly.

One frequent mistake is failing to provide adequate personal information. Individuals often neglect to include essential details such as their full name, date of birth, and contact information. This omission can complicate the identification of the person for whom the DNR order is intended. Accurate identification is vital for healthcare providers to honor the wishes expressed in the form.

Another common error involves misunderstanding the scope of the DNR order. Some individuals mistakenly believe that a DNR order applies to all medical situations, including non-cardiac emergencies. In reality, a DNR order specifically addresses resuscitation efforts during cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is important to clarify that other medical interventions may still be provided even if resuscitation is not pursued.

Additionally, individuals sometimes overlook the need for signatures. The Kansas DNR Order form requires the signatures of both the patient and a witness. In some cases, people may complete the form but fail to secure the necessary signatures, rendering the document invalid. Ensuring that all required signatures are present is crucial for the form to be legally recognized.

Another mistake involves the lack of discussion with healthcare providers. Individuals may fill out the DNR order without consulting their doctors or healthcare team. This can lead to misunderstandings about the implications of the order and the individual's health status. Engaging in a conversation with healthcare professionals can provide clarity and ensure that the DNR order aligns with the individual's medical condition and treatment preferences.

Finally, individuals sometimes forget to review and update their DNR orders regularly. As health conditions change, so too may a person's wishes regarding resuscitation. Failing to revisit the DNR order can result in outdated preferences being honored, which may not reflect the individual’s current desires. Regularly reviewing and, if necessary, updating the DNR order can help ensure that it accurately represents one’s wishes.

In addition to the Kansas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, there are several other important documents that may be utilized to ensure a person’s healthcare preferences are honored. These documents help clarify medical decisions and provide guidance to healthcare providers and family members during critical situations. Below is a list of commonly used forms that complement a DNR order.

• Advance Directive: This document outlines an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate those wishes themselves. It typically includes preferences about life-sustaining treatments and organ donation.
• Living Will: A living will specifies the types of medical treatment a person does or does not want in the event of a terminal illness or incapacitation. It serves as a guide for healthcare providers and family members.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney: This form designates a specific person to make medical decisions on behalf of an individual if they are unable to do so. It ensures that someone trusted can advocate for the person's healthcare preferences.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST is a medical order that outlines a patient’s preferences for treatment in emergency situations. It is intended for individuals with serious health conditions and is signed by a physician.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: This order indicates that a patient does not wish to be intubated or placed on a ventilator if they experience respiratory failure. It is often used alongside a DNR order.
• Organ Donation Registration: This document registers an individual's wishes regarding organ donation. It can be included in an advance directive or completed separately to ensure that healthcare providers are aware of these preferences.
• Patient Advocate Designation: This form allows an individual to appoint a patient advocate who can make healthcare decisions and communicate their wishes to medical staff, especially in complex situations.
• Medical Information Release Form: This document authorizes healthcare providers to share medical information with designated individuals. It can be crucial for family members or advocates to make informed decisions.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) DNR Form: This specific form is used by emergency medical personnel to recognize a DNR order in emergency situations. It is essential for ensuring that the DNR wishes are respected outside of a hospital setting.

These documents play a vital role in healthcare planning and decision-making. By having these forms in place, individuals can ensure that their medical preferences are understood and honored, providing peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a medical document that indicates a person's wishes regarding resuscitation efforts in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest. There are several other documents that share similarities with the DNR Order. Here are nine of them:

• Living Will: This document outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes. Like a DNR, it provides guidance on end-of-life care.
• Health Care Proxy: A health care proxy allows an individual to appoint someone else to make medical decisions on their behalf. This is similar to a DNR in that it involves making choices about medical interventions.
• Advance Directive: An advance directive encompasses both a living will and a health care proxy. It serves as a comprehensive guide for medical care preferences, including resuscitation decisions.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST forms are medical orders that specify a patient's preferences for life-sustaining treatments. They are similar to DNRs but cover a broader range of medical interventions.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: A DNI order specifically instructs medical personnel not to use intubation to assist with breathing. It is often used in conjunction with a DNR order.
• Comfort Care Order: This document emphasizes comfort measures rather than aggressive treatment. It aligns with the principles of a DNR by prioritizing quality of life over life-saving interventions.
• Terminal Illness Declaration: This declaration states that a person has a terminal illness and outlines their treatment preferences. It is similar to a DNR as it addresses care decisions at the end of life.
• Do Not Hospitalize Order: This order indicates that a patient does not wish to be hospitalized for treatment. It complements a DNR by ensuring that the patient's wishes are respected in various care settings.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Do Not Resuscitate Form: This specific form is used by EMS personnel to determine whether to initiate resuscitation efforts. It is directly related to the DNR order and is recognized in emergency situations.

When filling out the Kansas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it is essential to approach the process with care and understanding. Here are ten important dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

• Do discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider to ensure clarity.
• Do have open conversations with family members about your decision.
• Do ensure the form is signed by a physician to make it valid.
• Do keep the DNR order in a location that is easily accessible to medical personnel.
• Do review and update your DNR order as your health situation changes.

• Don't fill out the form without fully understanding its implications.
• Don't assume that verbal instructions are sufficient; a written order is necessary.
• Don't neglect to inform your emergency contacts about your DNR order.
• Don't forget to check the expiration date of your DNR order if applicable.
• Don't overlook the importance of discussing your wishes with all involved parties.

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

The Kansas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is often misunderstood. Here are four common misconceptions about this important document:

1. Misconception 1: A DNR order means that no medical care will be provided.

   This is not true. A DNR order specifically addresses resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac arrest. It does not prevent other medical treatments or interventions from being administered.

2. Misconception 2: Only terminally ill patients need a DNR order.

   A DNR order can be beneficial for anyone who wishes to avoid resuscitation in specific circumstances, regardless of their overall health status. It’s a personal decision that reflects individual values and preferences.

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

   In fact, a DNR order can be revoked or modified at any time. Individuals have the right to change their wishes as their health status or personal preferences evolve.

4. Misconception 4: DNR orders are only valid in hospitals.

   Kansas DNR orders are valid in various settings, including at home and in long-term care facilities. It is crucial for individuals to communicate their wishes to family members and healthcare providers to ensure they are honored.

The Kansas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important legal document that allows individuals to express their wishes regarding resuscitation efforts in the event of a medical emergency. Here are key takeaways regarding the use and completion of this form:

• The form must be signed by a physician, ensuring that the order is valid and recognized by medical personnel.
• Individuals can complete the form themselves, but it is advisable to discuss their wishes with family members and healthcare providers.
• The DNR order should be kept in an accessible location, such as a medical file or with the patient’s primary caregiver.
• It is essential for the individual to understand the implications of a DNR order, including the potential impact on end-of-life care.
• Patients can revoke the DNR order at any time, and this revocation should be documented appropriately.
• Emergency medical services (EMS) and hospitals are required to honor the DNR order once it is presented.
• Individuals should consider discussing their DNR wishes with their healthcare team to ensure comprehensive understanding and support.
• Regular review of the DNR order is recommended, especially if there are changes in health status or personal preferences.