Attorney-Approved Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order Template

Filling out and using the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form is an important step for individuals who wish to make their healthcare preferences clear. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

1. Understand the Purpose: The DNRO form allows individuals to express their wish not to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
2. Eligibility: Any adult can complete a DNRO form, including those who are terminally ill or have a medical condition that limits their ability to communicate their wishes.
3. Consult with Healthcare Providers: It is advisable to discuss your decision with a healthcare professional to ensure that you understand the implications of the DNRO.
4. Complete the Form Accurately: Fill out the DNRO form carefully, ensuring that all required sections are completed and that your signature is included.
5. Witness Requirement: The form must be signed by two witnesses who are not related to you or entitled to any portion of your estate.
6. Keep Copies Accessible: After completing the DNRO form, make copies and keep them in accessible places, such as with your medical records and at home.
7. Inform Family and Caregivers: Share your DNRO status with family members and caregivers to avoid confusion during a medical emergency.
8. Review Periodically: Regularly review your DNRO to ensure it still reflects your wishes, especially if your health status changes.
9. Legal Validity: The DNRO is legally recognized in Florida, and emergency medical personnel are required to honor it when it is properly completed.

Understanding these key points can help you navigate the process of filling out and using the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order form effectively.

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

• Do ensure you understand the implications of a Do Not Resuscitate Order.
• Do discuss your wishes with family members and healthcare providers.
• Do complete the form accurately and legibly.
• Do sign and date the form in the presence of a witness.
• Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

• Don't fill out the form under pressure or without full understanding.
• Don't forget to review the form periodically to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
• Don't assume that verbal instructions are enough; always use the official form.
• Don't neglect to inform your healthcare providers about your DNR status.

The Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form is a critical document for individuals wishing to refuse resuscitation in the event of a medical emergency. However, several other forms and documents are often used in conjunction with the DNRO to ensure that an individual's healthcare preferences are clearly communicated and respected. Below is a list of commonly associated forms and documents.

• Advance Directive: This document outlines an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care. It can specify preferences for various medical interventions and appoint a healthcare proxy to make decisions on their behalf.
• Living Will: A living will is a specific type of advance directive that details the medical treatments a person wishes to receive or refuse if they become unable to communicate their wishes. It typically focuses on life-sustaining treatments.
• Healthcare Proxy: This legal document designates a person to make healthcare decisions for someone else when they are unable to do so. The appointed proxy should be someone the individual trusts to uphold their wishes.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST is a medical order that reflects a patient’s preferences for life-sustaining treatment. It is intended for individuals with serious health conditions and is recognized by healthcare providers as a valid medical order.
• Notice to Quit: If you are a landlord needing to inform a tenant, this formal Notice to Quit document is essential for initiating the eviction process effectively.
• Do Not Hospitalize (DNH) Order: This document indicates that a patient does not wish to be hospitalized for treatment. It is often used in conjunction with the DNRO for patients in long-term care settings.
• Organ Donation Consent Form: This form allows individuals to express their wishes regarding organ and tissue donation after death. It is important to communicate these wishes to family members and healthcare providers.
• Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) Documentation: This documentation outlines a patient's rights under the PSDA, including the right to make decisions about their medical care and the right to refuse treatment.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) DNR Form: This form is used to inform emergency responders about a patient’s DNRO status. It is essential for ensuring that the patient’s wishes are honored in emergency situations.

These documents serve to clarify an individual's healthcare preferences and ensure that their wishes are respected across various medical settings. It is crucial to keep these documents updated and accessible to healthcare providers and family members to avoid confusion during critical moments.

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

   A Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that allows a person to refuse cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other life-saving measures in the event of a medical emergency. It is intended for individuals who have a terminal condition or are facing a medical situation where resuscitation would not be beneficial.

2. Who can complete a DNRO?

   The DNRO can be completed by an adult patient who is capable of making their own medical decisions. If the patient is unable to complete the form, a legally authorized representative, such as a healthcare surrogate or power of attorney, may do so on their behalf.

3. How do I obtain a DNRO form in Florida?

   You can obtain a DNRO form from various sources, including hospitals, healthcare providers, and online resources. The Florida Department of Health website also provides access to the official DNRO form that you can print and fill out.

4. What information is required on the DNRO form?

   The DNRO form requires the following information:

   • The patient's name and date of birth.
   • The signature of the patient or their authorized representative.
   • The signature of a physician, which confirms the patient's medical condition.

5. Is a DNRO valid in other states?

   A Florida DNRO is generally valid only within Florida. If you travel to another state, it is advisable to check that state's laws regarding Do Not Resuscitate Orders, as they may have different requirements or forms.

6. Can I change or revoke my DNRO?

7. Where should I keep my DNRO form?

   It is important to keep your DNRO form in a place that is easily accessible. Consider keeping it in your medical records, with your primary care physician, or in a visible location at home. Inform family members and caregivers about its location.

8. What happens if I do not have a DNRO?

   If you do not have a DNRO and experience a medical emergency, healthcare providers are required to provide resuscitation efforts unless there are clear indications otherwise. This may not align with your wishes if you prefer not to receive such interventions.

9. How does a DNRO affect my overall healthcare?

   A DNRO specifically addresses resuscitation efforts but does not affect other aspects of your healthcare. You will continue to receive appropriate medical care, pain management, and other treatments as needed, unless you specify otherwise in your healthcare directives.