Free Do Not Resuscitate Order Form for Indiana

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

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Indiana is a legal document that informs medical professionals not to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in the event a patient's breathing stops or their heart stops beating. This decision is usually based on the individual's health care wishes and is often part of broader advance care planning. It is specifically applied to emergency situations outside of a hospital setting, like at home or in a hospice.

Who can request a DNR Order in Indiana?

In Indiana, an adult with the capacity to make their own health care decisions, a legally appointed health care representative, a guardian, or a power of attorney can request a DNR Order. For minors, parents or legal guardians can request the order. It is critical that the individual or their representative communicates clearly with their physician about their wishes and understands the implications of a DNR Order.

How does one obtain a DNR Order in Indiana?

To obtain a DNR Order in Indiana, one must have a discussion with their physician or a qualified healthcare provider. The physician will evaluate the patient's medical condition, discuss the pros and cons, and determine whether a DNR Order is appropriate. If so, the physician will complete and sign the official Indiana DNR Order form. It is essential for the patient or their representative to also sign the form, indicating their agreement with the DNR Order.

Is the DNR Order valid in all healthcare settings?

In Indiana, a DNR Order is generally recognized across various healthcare settings, including at home, in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice care. However, it's crucial to communicate the existence of a DNR Order to all healthcare providers and ensure it is readily accessible in an emergency. Some settings, particularly hospitals, may have specific forms or procedures in place that also need to be completed to respect the patient's wishes fully.

Can a DNR Order be revoked or changed in Indiana?

Yes, a DNR Order in Indiana can be revoked or changed at any time by the individual it concerns, provided they have the capacity to make health care decisions. Revocation can be done verbally or in writing. If the individual wishes to make changes to their DNR Order, they must discuss these changes with their physician and complete a new form to reflect their current wishes. It's important to notify all relevant parties of any changes or revocation of a DNR Order.

What happens if emergency medical services (EMS) are called?

If EMS is called to assist an individual with a DNR Order in Indiana, presenting the official DNR Order form to the EMS personnel is crucial. The presence of a valid DNR Order should lead EMS to focus on providing comfort care and other non-resuscitative interventions. Without the form, EMS personnel are required to perform all lifesaving measures, including CPR. Therefore, ensuring that the DNR Order is easily accessible in an emergency is imperative for it to be honored.

When completing the Indiana Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, common mistakes can often lead to confusion or even invalidate the document. First and foremost, a frequent error is not having the form signed by a physician. In Indiana, a DNR Order must be signed by both the patient (or their legal representative) and their physician to be considered valid. This oversight can render the document ineffective during an emergency, where a DNR Order is crucial.

Another common mistake is incomplete patient information. Every section of the DNR form that requests personal details, such as the patient's full name, date of birth, and address, needs to be thoroughly completed. Incomplete information not only causes difficulties in identifying the patient but also may lead to questioning the validity of the DNR Order itself.

Many individuals also err by failing to update the form after any significant health changes or when a new physician is consulted. A previously signed DNR Order might not reflect the current wishes of the patient or contain outdated information, such as a former doctor's signature. Regular reviews and updates ensure that the DNR Order accurately represents the patient's current health status and preferences.

Not informing family members or caregivers about the existence and location of a DNR Order is another mistake. In the event of an emergency, family members or caregivers are often the first to respond or communicate with healthcare professionals. If they are unaware of the patient's wishes as documented in the DNR Order, they might unintentionally contradict these directives.

Last but not least, a significant oversight is not keeping the DNR Order in an accessible location. The document should be easily accessible in the event of a medical emergency. Ideally, it should be placed in a prominent location, and all those who might need to know of its existence and contents should be informed about where to find it. An inaccessible DNR Order is as good as not having one, especially when time is of the essence.

When it comes to making informed decisions about end-of-life care, having a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is crucial for individuals in Indiana who wish to have their healthcare preferences respected. However, a comprehensive approach to such planning often involves several other important documents. These documents work together to ensure all aspects of a person’s wishes are clearly communicated and legally documented. The following forms and documents are commonly used alongside the Indiana Do Not Resuscitate Order form to secure a thorough and legally sound plan for end-of-life care.

• Advance Directive for Health Care: This document allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences, including decisions about life-prolonging treatments, in case they are unable to communicate their wishes in the future. It typically includes a Living Will and a Power of Attorney for healthcare.
• Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Declaration and Order: Specifically designed for situations outside of hospital settings, this form provides instructions not to perform CPR or other resuscitative measures in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
• Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) Form: This medical order form documents an individual’s treatment preferences across various healthcare settings. It is particularly useful for those with serious illness or frailty, as it follows the patient and is respected by healthcare providers in various settings.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPA): This legal document appoints someone to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual, should they become incapacitated. It complements the Advance Directive by designating a specific person to ensure that the documented wishes are followed.

Making decisions about end-of-life care can be challenging, but taking steps to ensure your wishes are documented and respected is important. Together with the Indiana Do Not Resuscitate Order, these documents form a comprehensive plan that provides peace of mind to individuals and their families, ensuring that healthcare preferences are honored. It's always advisable to discuss these documents with healthcare providers and legal professionals to ensure they accurately reflect your wishes and comply with Indiana law.

The Indiana Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form shares similarities with an Advanced Directive. Both documents allow individuals to make decisions about their medical care in advance. An Advanced Directive can include instructions for a variety of medical interventions, not just resuscitation, making it broader in scope. However, similar to a DNR Order, it serves as a crucial guide for healthcare providers to understand and respect the patient's wishes should they become unable to communicate them.

Living Wills also resemble Indiana's DNR Order form in their purpose. They document a person's preferences for end-of-life medical care, including decisions about life-sustaining treatments. While a DNR specifically addresses the desire not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest, Living Wills cover a wider range of medical interventions but share the goal of directing healthcare providers in accordance with a patient's wishes.

Power of Attorney (POA) for Healthcare is another document bearing similarities to the DNR Order. This document allows an individual to appoint someone else to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. While the POA for Healthcare deals with broader medical decision-making authority, the DNR Order distinctly focuses on the decision not to undergo CPR. Both, however, are essential in planning for medical care and ensuring that decisions align with the patient's preferences.

The POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form parallels the Indiana DNR Order in several ways. POLST is designed for seriously ill patients and outlines a plan of care, including the patient’s preferences regarding resuscitation and other life-sustaining treatments. Like DNR Orders, POLST forms are medical orders that are followed by healthcare professionals. Both documents aim to respect the patient's medical care wishes towards the end of life.

Last Will and Testament documents, while primarily focused on the distribution of an individual's estate after death, share the concept of preparing for the future with DNR Orders. Both types of documents require careful consideration and planning regarding one's preferences and directives. Though serving different purposes, with the DNR Order focusing on medical intervention preferences and Last Wills on estate matters, they similarly ensure that an individual's wishes are known and respected after they cannot communicate or are deceased.

Filling out the Indiana Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a critical process that requires attention to detail and clarity. This document is vital for ensuring that an individual's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments are respected. To assist with this process, here is a list of dos and don'ts that should be considered:

1. Do ensure accuracy: Double-check all information you provide on the form to ensure it is accurate. Incorrect information can lead to confusion or the document being considered invalid.
2. Do consult with a healthcare provider: Before filling out the form, it's important to discuss your wishes with a healthcare provider to fully understand the implications of a DNR order.
3. Do use a blue or black ink pen: This ensures that the form is legible and that copies of the document maintain the integrity of the original information.
4. Do keep the form accessible: Once completed, the DNR form should be kept in a place where it can be easily found by family members or emergency responders.
5. Do inform your family: Discuss your decision with family members or caregivers so they are aware of your wishes and the existence of your DNR order.

• Don't leave sections blank: If a section does not apply to you, fill it with an "N/A" (not applicable) rather than leaving it blank. This prevents misunderstandings about whether parts were overlooked.
• Don't sign without witnesses or notarization, if required: Some states require a DNR form to be either witnessed or notarized. Be sure to comply with Indiana's specific requirements to ensure the form’s validity.
• Don't forget to review and update the form regularly: Circumstances and preferences can change. Regularly review your DNR order and make changes if your wishes evolve.

When it comes to the Indiana Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, misconceptions abound. It's important to clear these up to ensure that individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare. Below are five common misunderstandings explained:

• Only for terminal illnesses: Many believe that a DNR is only applicable for patients with terminal illnesses. This isn't the case. In Indiana, a DNR order is available to any adult who, in consultation with their healthcare provider, decides they do not want to be resuscitated in the event their breathing stops or their heart ceases to beat.

• It covers all forms of medical treatment: Another misconception is that having a DNR means no medical treatment will be provided. However, the DNR order specifically addresses the issue of resuscitation and does not preclude the individual from receiving other forms of medical care, such as pain management, oxygen, or other comfort measures.

• It's only for the elderly: Age is not a factor in whether someone decides to have a DNR order. People of any age, who have strong feelings about not undergoing potentially invasive, life-sustaining treatments like CPR in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest, can choose to have a DNR.

• Doctors decide on DNR status: While healthcare providers play a crucial role in discussing and providing information about the DNR order, it's ultimately up to the patient or their healthcare representative to request and consent to a DNR order, based on their values and wishes.

• A DNR order is permanent: Some individuals hesitate to complete a DNR order because they fear it cannot be changed or revoked. This is not true. A DNR order can be revised or completely revoked at any time by the individual or their authorized healthcare representative, ensuring their current wishes are always respected.

Understanding these specifics can help individuals and families navigate their healthcare choices with more confidence and ensure their wishes are understood and respected.

When approaching the task of filling out and utilizing the Indiana Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it's important to be well-informed and prepared. The following key takeaways provide a foundational understanding that can guide individuals through this sensitive process.

• Understanding the Purpose: The Indiana DNR Order form is a legal document that informs medical professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if an individual's breathing stops or if the heart stops beating. It is used by those who wish to decline CPR in the event of a life-threatening situation, usually due to terminal illness or the desire for a natural end of life.
• Who Can Sign the Form: The DNR Order must be signed by the individual (or their legally authorized representative, if the individual is unable to make their own medical decisions) and their physician. The physician's signature indicates that the doctor has discussed the DNR decision with the patient or the patient’s representative and agrees with the patient’s wishes.
• Validity and Renewal: Once completed and signed, the DNR Order is valid immediately. However, it's important to regularly review the document, especially if the individual’s health condition changes. In Indiana, it is advised that the DNR Order be reviewed and renewed annually to ensure it reflects the current wishes of the individual.
• Copies of the DNR Order: It is crucial to keep copies of the DNR Order in easily accessible locations. Copies should be provided to family members, healthcare proxies, and primary healthcare providers. Additionally, when applicable, a copy should be placed in the individual's home where emergency responders can easily find it, such as on the refrigerator or near the patient's bed.
• Impact on Other Medical Treatments: Signing a DNR Order does not affect the receipt of other medical treatments. It solely instructs healthcare providers not to initiate CPR. Individuals can still receive all other medical treatments and interventions they desire or that are deemed appropriate by their healthcare team.
• Revocation of the DNR Order: The DNR Order can be revoked at any time by the individual or their legally authorized representative. This can be done verbally or by physically destroying the DNR Order form. Following the revocation, it's important to communicate this change to all previously informed parties and healthcare providers to ensure that the individual’s current medical wishes are clearly understood and respected.

Completing and using the Indiana DNR Order form is a significant decision that impacts how medical care is delivered in critical moments. By thoroughly understanding the process and implications of a DNR Order, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their healthcare preferences and values.