Free Do Not Resuscitate Order Form for Florida

What is a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form in Florida?

A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form is a legal document in Florida that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's breathing stops or if the patient's heart stops beating. It is used to ensure that a patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care are respected and followed.

Who can authorise a DNRO in Florida?

In Florida, a DNRO can be authorized by the patient themselves if they are of sound mind and legally capable of making their own healthcare decisions. If the patient is a minor or not capable of making healthcare decisions, a parent, legal guardian, or someone holding healthcare power of attorney can authorize the DNRO on their behalf.

How can one obtain a DNRO form in Florida?

The DNRO form can be obtained from the Florida Department of Health's website or by requesting a copy from a healthcare provider. It is also advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or legal professional when considering completing a DNRO form to ensure it is filled out correctly and reflects the patient’s wishes accurately.

Is the DNRO form required to be notarized or witnessed in Florida?

While the DNRO form does not need to be notarized in Florida, it must be signed by the patient (or their authorized representative) and witnessed by two individuals. One of the witnesses cannot be a spouse or a blood relative of the patient.

Where should the DNRO form be kept?

The DNRO form should be kept in a location where it can be easily accessed by family members and healthcare providers in the event of an emergency. It is also wise to inform family members, caregivers, and primary healthcare providers of the DNRO’s existence and location to ensure that the patient’s wishes are honored.

Can a DNRO be revoked or altered in Florida?

Yes, a DNRO can be revoked or altered at any time by the patient or their authorized representative. This can be done by physically destroying the DNRO form, creating a new form that reflects the updated wishes, or by expressing the intent to revoke the order verbally in the presence of a witness.

Does a DNRO have to be renewed periodically in Florida?

No, a DNRO does not have an expiration date in Florida and does not need to be renewed periodically. However, it is important to review and, if necessary, update it periodically to ensure it continues to reflect the patient's current wishes.

How does a DNRO affect the quality of care a patient receives?

A DNRO does not affect the quality of care a patient receives in terms of ongoing treatments, pain management, and other supportive care. It specifically instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest but does not limit other forms of care.

Is a DNRO form from another state valid in Florida?

Out-of-state Do Not Resuscitate Orders may not be immediately recognized in Florida. It is recommended for individuals with an out-of-state DNRO to consult with a healthcare provider or legal professional in Florida to ensure their end-of-life wishes are respected and to determine if a new DNRO form needs to be completed in accordance with Florida law.

Who should be informed about a patient's DNRO?

It is important to inform family members, health care proxies, and all healthcare providers involved in the patient's care about the DNRO. This includes primary care physicians, home health care agencies, and emergency responders who may be called to provide care. Sharing this information ensures that the patient’s wishes are respected and followed in an emergency.

Filling out a Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order form can be a daunting process. While it's a critical document for those who wish to express their desires not to receive CPR in life-threatening situations, mistakes can often be made in the preparation of this document, making it invalid or ineffective at a crucial time.

One common mistake is not having the form signed by a physician. In Florida, for a DNR order to be valid, it must be signed by a licensed physician. This signature is a testament that the physician has discussed the implications and the individual's wishes regarding resuscitation. Without this, the document may not be honored in an emergency.

Another issue arises when people use an unofficial form. The state of Florida has a specific form that must be used for a DNR order to be recognized. Using a different document or an outdated version can lead to issues when the order needs to be enforced.

Additionally, many individuals mistakenly believe that once the DNR form is completed, it doesn't need to be revisited. However, it's important to review and potentially update the document regularly, especially after any significant health changes. Conditions or decisions might change, and keeping the document up-to-date ensures that it accurately reflects the person's current wishes.

A surprising oversight is the failure to notify family members or caregivers of the DNR order. This document significantly affects how emergency situations are handled, and it's crucial that those close to the individual are aware of their wishes and know where the document is located.

Similarly, not keeping the DNR order in an easily accessible place is another mistake. In an emergency, healthcare providers or first responders need to find and verify the DNR order quickly. When it's not readily accessible, it could be overlooked or found too late.

Filling out the form incorrectly is also a common problem. This can range from providing incomplete information to not following the specific instructions for completion. Misunderstandings or omissions can make the DNR order unclear or void.

There is also a tendency to not discuss the decision with a healthcare provider. Talking to a healthcare professional can provide valuable insight into the implications of a DNR order and help ensure that it aligns with the individual's health status and goals for care.

Forgetting to distribute copies of the DNR order to relevant parties, such as the person's physician, local hospital, and health care surrogate, can also lead to complications. If the document is not readily available to those who need it, its directives may not be followed.

Another issue is the belief that a DNR order is sufficient for all medical decisions. In reality, a DNR order is specifically about CPR and does not cover other treatments or interventions. People may need to consider other forms of advance directives to fully express their healthcare wishes.

Last but not least, assuming that a DNR order is recognized in all states can lead to unexpected outcomes. Each state has its own regulations and forms for DNR orders. If a Florida resident receives medical attention in another state, their DNR order may not be recognized if it doesn't comply with that state's laws. It's essential to understand the limitations of the document's legal standing beyond Florida's borders.

In the state of Florida, alongside the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, a set of related documents often plays a pivotal role in ensuring an individual's healthcare wishes are clearly understood and legally documented. These documents complement the DNR Order by providing comprehensive instruction and insight into the patient’s healthcare preferences, ensuring that their wishes are respected across various scenarios.

• Living Will: This document allows individuals to outline their wishes regarding life-prolonging medical treatments in the event they become unable to make or communicate their healthcare decisions due to a terminal condition or persistent vegetative state.
• Health Care Surrogate Designation: This legal form enables an individual to appoint a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf should they become incapacitated. This includes decisions about medical treatments and healthcare providers.
• Power of Attorney: Broadly used beyond healthcare decisions, a Power of Attorney can grant an appointed agent the authority to make financial, legal, and sometimes healthcare decisions, depending on the document's specific terms.
• Five Wishes: Regarded as a comprehensive living will, the Five Wishes document touches on personal, spiritual, and emotional desires, in addition to medical wishes. It allows individuals to specify their comfort care preferences, desired living arrangements for long-term care, and funeral or memorial plans.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): Often used in concert with a DNR order, this form provides specific instructions about certain life-sustaining treatments based on the patient’s current health condition. It is typically for seriously ill individuals and must be signed by a healthcare provider.
• Out-of-Hospital DNR Order: Specifically designed for use outside of hospital settings, this document instructs emergency medical personnel not to attempt CPR or other life-sustaining measures in the event of a patient’s cardiac or respiratory arrest. It is particularly relevant for individuals with severe terminal conditions who prefer to stay at home.

Collectively, these documents form a comprehensive legal framework that respects and protects an individual’s healthcare preferences across different scenarios and settings. When used together, they ensure that one's healthcare wishes are clearly communicated, legally documented, and readily accessible to family members and healthcare providers, thereby providing peace of mind to individuals and their loved ones.

The Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form shares similarities with a Living Will. Both documents are focused on end-of-life decisions. A Living Will specifically outlines an individual's preferences regarding life-prolonging medical treatments in cases where they cannot communicate their wishes due to terminal illness or incapacitation. Like a DNRO, it serves as a directive to medical personnel about the patient's choices regarding their healthcare and treatments.

Similar to the DNRO is the Health Care Surrogate Designation. This document allows an individual to appoint someone else (a surrogate) to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. Although the Health Care Surrogate Designation encompasses a broader range of medical decisions than the DNRO, both documents share the purpose of ensuring that medical treatment aligns with the patient's wishes when they cannot communicate those wishes themselves.

The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is another document that bears resemblance to the DNRO. The POLST provides specific instructions about certain life-sustaining treatments based on a patient's current health condition. Like the DNRO, it is intended to guide emergency medical personnel and other healthcare providers in treating the patient in accordance with their desires, particularly in emergency situations where immediate decisions are necessary.

An Advance Directive is a broader term that encompasses documents like the DNRO. It typically includes a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney. The purpose of an Advance Directive is to outline a person's healthcare preferences and appoint a decision-maker in case they become incapacitated. While the DNRO specifically addresses the desire not to receive CPR, Advance Directives cover a wider range of medical interventions and decision-making powers.

The Five Wishes document is an advanced care plan that goes beyond the scope of the DNRO by addressing personal, spiritual, medical, and legal desires at the end of life. Although it serves a broader purpose, it resembles the DNRO in its goal of ensuring that an individual's healthcare treatments are in line with their values and wishes, especially in situations where they are unable to speak for themselves.

The Medical Order for Scope of Treatment (MOST) form, similar to the POLST, is designed to ensure that patients with serious illnesses or at the end of their lives receive medical treatment that aligns with their preferences. Like the DNRO, the MOST form is executed by both the patient (or their surrogate) and a healthcare provider, making it a legally binding document that guides medical treatment, including resuscitation efforts.

The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is a legal document that designates an agent to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the person who created the document, should they become incapacitated. Although it focuses on appointing a decision-maker rather than outlining specific medical treatments, it shares the underlying objective with the DNRO of ensuring that medical care reflects the patient’s wishes.

Lastly, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) bracelet is a physical object that serves a similar purpose to the DNRO form. It is worn by patients who wish to communicate their desire not to receive CPR or other resuscitative measures in emergencies. While it is not a document, the bracelet acts as a clear, immediate signal to emergency responders, akin to how the DNRO form communicates the patient's wishes to healthcare providers.

When completing the Florida Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it's essential to follow guidelines precisely to ensure your wishes are respected. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do ensure that all information provided is accurate and legible. This includes the full name of the patient, date of birth, and other personal details required on the form.
• Don't leave any mandatory fields blank. Each required section must be filled out to validate the form.
• Do have the form signed by a qualified healthcare professional. This can be your physician, a nurse practitioner, or a physician's assistant who is acting within their Florida scope of practice.
• Don't attempt to sign on behalf of the qualified healthcare professional, unless you are legally authorized to do so.
• Do discuss your wishes with your family, friends, and healthcare providers. It's important that those close to you understand your wishes regarding resuscitation.
• Don't forget to have the form witnessed. Two adults must witness your signing of the form, and they must sign it as well, affirming that you were of sound mind and not under duress when you made your decision.
• Do keep the original form in an easily accessible location, and inform your family or caretakers where it is. Copies should be given to your healthcare providers to be included in your medical records.
• Don't fail to review and update the form as necessary. If your healthcare situation or your decisions about resuscitation change, it’s important to complete a new DNR form reflecting your current wishes.

Many people have misconceptions about the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form. Clearing up these misconceptions is essential for individuals making informed decisions about their healthcare and end-of-life wishes. Here are eight common misunderstandings:

• Any form can be used as a DNRO. In Florida, a specific state-approved form must be used for a DNRO to be legal. This form requires the signature of the individual (or their legal representative) and a physician.
• A DNRO is the same as a living will. A DNRO is not the same as a living will. A DNRO specifically instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's breathing or heart stops, while a living will can provide broader instructions about a variety of medical treatments.
• Doctors always have to honor a DNRO. While healthcare providers generally respect DNRO instructions, there might be rare instances, like in emergency situations outside a hospital where emergency personnel might not be aware of the DNRO or are legally obligated to provide CPR until an official DNRO form is presented and verified.
• A DNRO can be verbally issued. In Florida, the DNRO must be documented on the state-approved form and signed. Verbal wishes by themselves cannot serve as a substitute for the DNRO form.
• DNR orders are only for the elderly. A DNRO can be appropriate for individuals at any age who wish to decline CPR due to a variety of health reasons, not just age. This decision is often made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on the individual's health status and personal desires.
• Signing a DNRO means giving up on all treatments. Choosing a DNRO does not mean an individual is refusing all medical treatments. It specifically declines CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. Other treatments and care, including palliative and comfort care, may still be pursued.
• You need a lawyer to complete a DNRO form. While legal advice can be beneficial in understanding end-of-life options, a lawyer is not required to complete the DNRO form in Florida. The individual and a physician must sign the form for it to be valid.
• A DNRO is irreversible. A DNRO can be canceled or revoked at any time by the individual or their legal representative. This can be done by physically destroying the DNRO form, expressing the wish to revoke it verbally or in writing, or by simply opting for CPR in an emergency situation.

Understanding these aspects of the Florida DNRO can help individuals and their families make more informed decisions about end-of-life care and ensure that their wishes are respected.

Filling out and using a Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form is an important step for individuals who want to make their end-of-life care wishes known. Here are 10 key takeaways to guide you through this process:

• The Florida DNRO form is specifically designed to instruct healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's breathing or heartbeat stops.
• This form must be signed by the patient, or their legally authorized representative if the patient is unable to do so. A physician, osteopathic physician, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or physician assistant (PA) also needs to sign the form, validating the patient's wishes.
• The DNRO form is yellow in order to be easily recognized by emergency personnel. Copies are legally valid, but the original yellow form is most effective for quick identification.
• It's essential to discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider before completing a DNRO. They can provide valuable guidance on the implications and help ensure the document reflects your desires accurately.
• Keep the DNRO form in a location where it is readily accessible to emergency personnel. Common places include on the refrigerator, near your bed, or with your personal identification.
• The DNRO form can be revoked at any time by the patient or their authorized representative, regardless of the patient’s mental state or ability to communicate. Destruction of the form is one common method of revocation.
• It is important to inform family members, close friends, and caregivers of the existence of a DNRO and its whereabouts. This can prevent confusion and ensure your wishes are upheld during emergency situations.
• Carrying a wallet identification card that indicates you have a DNRO form can also help inform healthcare providers of your wishes during an emergency.
• The Florida DNRO form does not expire, but it is recommended to review and, if necessary, update it periodically, especially after any major health changes.
• This form is specific to Florida and may not be recognized if you are outside the state. If you travel or spend significant time in another state, consider researching and possibly preparing an equivalent form for that state.