Attorney-Approved Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate Order Document

How to Use Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate Order

Filling out the Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate Order form is a straightforward process. The form is important for healthcare choices, especially in medical emergencies. Once completed, it should be shared with medical professionals and placed in an easily accessible location.

1. Obtain the form. You can find it online or at a local healthcare facility.
2. Fill in your full name at the designated spot on the form.
3. Provide your date of birth to help identify your records accurately.
4. Indicate your address to ensure your preferences are linked to the appropriate person.
5. Choose a healthcare representative, if desired. Write their name and contact information clearly.
6. Sign the form in the signature section to validate your instructions.
7. Have the form witnessed. At least one witness who is not related to you or a beneficiary must sign.
8. Make copies of the completed form. Keep a copy for yourself and share copies with your healthcare provider and family members.

Once you have filled out the form, take the time to discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider. This ensures that everyone involved understands your choices and can act in accordance with them when needed.

What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Connecticut?

A Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that allows a person to refuse certain life-saving medical procedures in the event that their heart or breathing stops. In Connecticut, this order specifically covers situations where a person does not wish to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which can involve a range of emergency interventions. It’s important to note that a DNR is not a medical treatment; rather, it communicates a person's choices about the kind of care they should receive during a medical emergency.

Who can request a DNR Order in Connecticut?

A DNR Order can be requested by an adult who is capable of making their own medical decisions. This includes individuals facing terminal illness or those who may not want aggressive life-saving measures. If the person is unable to make decisions on their own, a legal representative, such as a healthcare proxy or a family member, may be able to establish a DNR under certain circumstances. Ensure that all involved parties understand the person's wishes and that the order is filled out correctly to reflect those wishes.

How do I obtain a DNR Order in Connecticut?

To obtain a DNR Order, you will need to have a discussion with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the implications of the order and assist you in completing the necessary paperwork. Once the form is completed and signed by you and your physician, you should keep a copy for yourself and provide additional copies to your family members and any care facilities where you may receive treatment. It’s crucial to ensure that the DNR is accessible in case of a medical emergency.

Will a DNR Order affect my other medical care?

A DNR Order specifically pertains to resuscitation efforts only. It does not mean that you will receive substandard care or that other treatments will be withheld. Healthcare providers are required to provide appropriate care that aligns with your overall health needs, even if you have a DNR Order in place. Your other medical interventions and treatment plans will continue as needed, according to your healthcare goals and in consultation with your medical team.

Can I change or revoke my DNR Order?

Yes, you can change or revoke your DNR Order at any time. If you decide to undo your DNR, simply inform your healthcare provider and any relevant parties. You may also want to destroy the existing DNR document to avoid any confusion in the future. It’s important to communicate your decisions clearly to ensure that your medical team understands your current wishes. Consider keeping them informed of your changes to avoid any misunderstanding in a medical emergency.

When completing a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form in Connecticut, many individuals may inadvertently make mistakes that can lead to confusion or unintended consequences. Understanding these common pitfalls is essential to ensure that a person's wishes regarding end-of-life care are respected. One frequent error is failing to discuss the decision with healthcare providers and loved ones. Engaging in an open conversation about one's wishes can clarify intentions and facilitate a smoother process when the time comes for healthcare professionals to act.

Another mistake often encountered is neglecting to provide a clear and specific identification of the patient. A DNR form must clearly indicate whom the order applies to; otherwise, it may not be honored. This includes ensuring that the name is accurate and matches identifying documents. Incomplete or erroneous information can lead to serious issues, especially in emergency situations where decisions must be made quickly.

Additionally, people sometimes overlook the need for proper signatures on the DNR form. In Connecticut, the signature of the patient, or the signature of a legally authorized representative if the patient is unable to sign, is crucial. Without this signature, the order lacks validity and cannot be executed by medical providers. It’s essential to verify that all required signatures are present before submitting the form.

Finally, many fail to regularly review and update their DNR order. Circumstances can change over time due to shifts in health status, personal beliefs, or family dynamics. It’s important to ensure that the DNR order reflects the current wishes of the individual. Regularly revisiting this document can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the patient's preferences are upheld when they matter most.

When considering end-of-life decisions in Connecticut, individuals often use the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form alongside several other forms and documents. Each plays a crucial role in ensuring that patients’ wishes are respected. Below is a list of common documents that complement the DNR Order.

• Living Will: This document outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes. It typically covers scenarios like terminal illness or severe incapacitation.
• Health Care Proxy: A health care proxy is a legal document that designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of a person if they are unable to do so. This person must understand and follow the patient's wishes.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): This form translates a patient’s treatment preferences into actionable physician orders. It is often used for patients with serious illnesses who may require immediate medical decisions.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This document grants authority to an individual to make health care decisions on behalf of another person. It remains effective even if the person becomes incapacitated.
• Do Not Hospitalize (DNH) Order: A DNH order specifically instructs health care providers not to transfer a patient to a hospital, highlighting the desire to receive care in a different setting, usually at home or in hospice.
• Advanced Directive: An advanced directive encompasses a variety of documents, including living wills and health care proxies, providing guidance on a patient's treatment preferences and the appointment of decision-makers.
• Patient Wishes Form: This form allows patients to express their specific preferences about medical care, including preferences on life-sustaining treatments and comfort care measures.
• Organ Donation Consent Form: This document expresses an individual’s intent regarding organ donation upon death. It is often kept with other advance care planning documents.
• Bereavement Plan: While not directly a medical document, a bereavement plan outlines the wishes of the patient regarding memorial services and post-death arrangements, providing loved ones clear guidance during a difficult time.

These documents collectively ensure that an individual's health care preferences are honored, promoting a sense of control even in challenging circumstances. It's important to review and update these documents regularly to reflect current wishes.

• Advance Healthcare Directive: This document allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences in case they become unable to communicate these wishes themselves. It can include instructions about medical treatments, just like a Do Not Resuscitate Order.
• Living Will: A living will specifies what types of medical treatment the individual wishes or does not wish to receive at the end of life, particularly in situations like terminal illness, paralleling the intent of a DNR.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document appoints someone to make healthcare decisions on behalf of an individual when they are incapacitated. It can complement or confirm the wishes expressed in a DNR.
• POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): Similar to a DNR, a POLST form is used to communicate a patient's wishes regarding treatments in emergency situations. It is usually more detailed about other medical interventions.
• Comfort Care Order: This document outlines care focused on providing comfort and alleviating pain rather than prolonging life, closely mirroring the goals of a DNR in a compassionate context.
• Non-Resuscitation Order: This is similar to a DNR but may be written in a different form or context. It serves the same purpose to express a person's wish to not receive CPR or other resuscitative measures.
• Do Not Intubate Order: This document specifically instructs healthcare providers not to perform intubation, a procedure often associated with resuscitation. Patients may choose this option while still allowing some other forms of treatment.

When filling out the Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate Order form, it is important to be thorough and careful. Here is a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do ensure you understand what a Do Not Resuscitate Order means.
• Do discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider.
• Do have the form signed by a physician.

• Don't forget to provide copies to your medical team and loved ones.
• Don't use unclear language; be specific about your wishes.
• Don't overlook updates; review the document regularly as your situation changes.

• Only terminally ill patients need a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR). This is not true. A DNR can be requested by anyone who wishes to forgo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest, regardless of their current health status.
• A DNR order removes all medical treatment. A DNR order specifically addresses resuscitation efforts. Patients can still receive other types of medical care and treatment, such as pain management or other interventions.
• DNR orders are only for hospitals. DNR orders can be effective in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, or even at home. The key is to ensure that the order is properly documented and communicated to all caregivers.
• A verbal request for a DNR is sufficient. A formal, written DNR order is required. This process helps ensure that all parties understand the patient's wishes and prevents misunderstandings.
• Once a DNR is established, it cannot be changed. Patients can modify or revoke a DNR order at any time as their wishes or health circumstances evolve.
• Only physicians can complete a DNR order. While physicians are typically responsible for signing DNR orders, a qualified healthcare provider or the patient themselves (with proper documentation) may also facilitate the process.
• The presence of a DNR means that emergency responders will not provide any care. Emergency responders will still provide care; they will assess the situation and follow the appropriate protocol. A DNR order specifically instructs responders not to perform CPR.
• A DNR cannot be combined with other advance directives. A DNR can be part of a broader set of advance directives, including living wills and healthcare proxies. Combining them helps ensure comprehensive communication of a patient's health care preferences.

The Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important legal document that allows individuals to express their wishes regarding resuscitation efforts in medical emergencies. Here are key takeaways to understand its use and implications:

• The DNR Order is designed for individuals who wish to refuse resuscitation in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
• This form must be signed by a physician who certifies that the individual is either terminally ill or has a serious medical condition.
• A properly completed DNR Order must be presented in the individual's medical records and should be accessible to emergency medical personnel.
• The form allows individuals to specify their wishes clearly, reducing confusion in high-stress situations.
• While the DNR Order applies specifically to resuscitation, it does not affect other medical treatments or healthcare decisions.
• Individuals can revoke their DNR Order at any time, as long as they are competent to make that decision.
• Family members and caregivers should be informed of the DNR Order, ensuring everyone involved respects the individual's wishes.
• It is advisable to discuss DNR Orders with healthcare providers to understand implications fully.
• Finally, keep a copy of the DNR Order readily available and inform your healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney about its existence.