Printable Michigan Do Not Resuscitate Order Template

When filling out the Michigan Do Not Resuscitate Order form, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure that your wishes are clearly communicated. Here are five things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do ensure that the form is signed by the patient or their legal representative.
• Do provide accurate information about the patient's medical history.
• Do discuss the decision with healthcare providers to understand its implications.
• Do keep a copy of the signed form in an accessible location.
• Do review the form periodically to ensure it still reflects the patient’s wishes.

• Don't fill out the form without consulting a healthcare professional.
• Don't use outdated versions of the form, as regulations may have changed.
• Don't assume that verbal instructions will be sufficient; written documentation is essential.
• Don't neglect to inform family members about the existence of the form.
• Don't forget to date the form when it is completed.

Filling out the Michigan Do Not Resuscitate Order form is an important step in making your healthcare wishes known. Here are some key takeaways to consider:

1. The form must be completed by a licensed physician.
2. It is essential to ensure that the patient understands the implications of the order.
3. The patient or their legal representative must sign the form.
4. The DNR order must be presented in a clear and visible manner to healthcare providers.
5. It is advisable to keep copies of the form in multiple locations, such as at home and with your healthcare provider.
6. Review the order regularly, especially if there are changes in health status.
7. Emergency medical personnel are required to follow the DNR order when it is valid and properly executed.
8. The form can be revoked at any time by the patient or their legal representative.
9. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help clarify any questions about the DNR order.

Taking these steps can help ensure that your wishes are respected in critical situations.

Understanding the Michigan Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is crucial for individuals and families making end-of-life decisions. However, several misconceptions often arise regarding its purpose and application. Below are four common misconceptions clarified.

• A DNR order means no medical care will be provided. This is not true. A DNR order specifically pertains to the withholding of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest. Other medical treatments, such as pain management and comfort care, continue to be provided.
• Only terminally ill patients can have a DNR order. This misconception is misleading. While many individuals with terminal illnesses choose to complete a DNR order, it is not limited to this group. Any patient, regardless of their diagnosis, can request a DNR if they wish to avoid resuscitation.
• A DNR order is permanent and cannot be changed. This is incorrect. A DNR order can be revoked or modified at any time by the patient or their legal representative. It is important to communicate any changes to healthcare providers to ensure that wishes are respected.
• A DNR order is only valid in a hospital setting. This is a common misunderstanding. In Michigan, a DNR order is valid in both hospital and out-of-hospital settings, as long as it is properly completed and signed. It is advisable to carry a copy of the order for situations outside of a medical facility.

Clarifying these misconceptions can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their healthcare preferences. Understanding the DNR order's implications ensures that patients' wishes are respected during critical moments.

• Living Will: A living will outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they cannot communicate. Like a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR), it provides guidance to healthcare providers about the patient's preferences for end-of-life care.

• Healthcare Proxy: This document designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of an individual if they are unable to do so. Similar to a DNR, it ensures that a person's wishes regarding treatment are honored, particularly in critical situations.

• Advance Directive: An advance directive is a broader term that encompasses both living wills and healthcare proxies. It serves to communicate a person's healthcare preferences and can include specific instructions about resuscitation, aligning closely with the intent of a DNR.

• POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): A POLST form translates a patient's treatment preferences into actionable medical orders. Like a DNR, it is designed for those with serious health conditions and ensures that their choices regarding resuscitation and other interventions are respected.

• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: A DNI order specifically instructs healthcare providers not to insert a breathing tube if a patient cannot breathe on their own. This document complements a DNR, focusing on a specific aspect of resuscitation efforts.

• End-of-Life Care Plan: This plan provides a comprehensive approach to a patient's care preferences as they approach the end of life. It can include directives similar to those found in a DNR, emphasizing comfort and quality of life over aggressive medical interventions.

• Patient's Bill of Rights: While not a directive like a DNR, this document outlines a patient's rights regarding their medical care, including the right to refuse treatment. It underscores the importance of respecting a patient's choices, which is the essence of a DNR.