Valid Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for California

When considering end-of-life decisions, individuals often utilize various forms and documents to ensure their wishes are respected. Along with the California Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, several other documents can provide clarity and guidance regarding medical care preferences.

• Advance Healthcare Directive: This document allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to communicate.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This form designates a specific person to make medical decisions for someone if they are incapacitated, ensuring that their healthcare wishes are honored.
• Living Will: A living will specifies what types of medical treatment an individual does or does not want in situations where they are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): This is a medical order that outlines a patient’s preferences for life-sustaining treatments and must be signed by a physician.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Release: This document allows individuals to authorize certain people to access their medical records and health information.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: Similar to a DNR, a DNI order specifically states that a patient does not wish to be intubated or placed on a ventilator if they cannot breathe on their own.
• Organ Donation Consent Form: This form indicates an individual's wishes regarding organ donation after death, ensuring that their preferences are known and can be acted upon.
• Post-Mortem Care Instructions: This document provides guidance on how to handle the body after death, including wishes regarding burial or cremation and any specific rituals.

Understanding these documents can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and end-of-life preferences. It’s crucial to discuss these choices with loved ones and healthcare providers to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

When filling out the California Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it is essential to approach the process thoughtfully. Here are ten important dos and don’ts to consider:

• Do ensure that you understand the implications of a DNR order before completing the form.
• Do consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your wishes and any medical conditions.
• Do clearly indicate your preferences on the form, using precise language.
• Do sign and date the form in the presence of a witness if required.
• Do keep a copy of the completed DNR order in a safe place and share it with your healthcare team.

• Don't fill out the form under pressure or without fully understanding its consequences.
• Don't forget to review and update the DNR order as your health status or preferences change.
• Don't assume that verbal instructions will suffice; written documentation is necessary.
• Don't neglect to discuss your DNR order with family members to ensure they understand your wishes.
• Don't leave the form incomplete; every section must be filled out to avoid confusion later.