Legal Oregon Do Not Resuscitate Order Form

1. What is a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) in Oregon?

   A Do Not Resuscitate Order, commonly referred to as a DNR, is a legal document in Oregon that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if a patient's breathing stops or if the patient's heart stops beating. It is often used by people with serious illnesses or those who are at the end of their life and prefer a natural death without invasive interventions.

2. How can someone get a DNR in Oregon?

   To obtain a DNR order in Oregon, an individual must first discuss their wishes with their healthcare provider. If it's determined that a DNR order is appropriate based on the individual's health status and personal desires, the healthcare provider will prepare the order. The patient (or their legally authorized representative, if the patient is unable to make decisions) must consent to and sign the DNR order for it to be valid.

3. Where does the DNR order apply?

   In Oregon, a DNR order is valid in all healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and in the patient's home. It is important to inform all healthcare providers, family members, or caregivers of the existence of the DNR order to ensure it is respected and followed. Keeping a copy of the DNR order easily accessible is also recommended for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel.

4. Can a DNR order be revoked or changed?

   Yes, a DNR order can be revoked or changed at any time by the patient or their legally authorized representative. To do so, communicate the decision to revoke or alter the order to the healthcare provider. They will advise on the steps necessary to either cancel the DNR or to draft a new one that reflects the updated wishes. It is crucial to also inform family members and caregivers of any changes to ensure that the patient's current wishes are known and respected.

When completing the Oregon Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, individuals often make mistakes that can compromise its effectiveness. One common error is not obtaining the necessary signatures. The DNR form requires signatures from both the patient (or their legally authorized representative) and the physician. Omitting either signature invalidates the form, preventing it from being legally recognized.

Another issue arises when people fail to use the most current form. Oregon periodically updates its DNR Order form to reflect changes in law or policy. Using an outdated version may result in the DNR order not being honored by emergency medical technicians or healthcare facilities. It's crucial to ensure the form is the most recent version available from Oregon health authorities.

Many individuals mistakenly believe that verbal instructions to family members or healthcare providers can serve as a substitute for a properly completed DNR form. This is not the case. Without a legally valid, completed form, medical personnel are required to perform resuscitation efforts in emergency situations. Verbal instructions, while important, cannot legally substitute for a completed DNR form.

There is also the mistake of not communicating the existence of a DNR order to all relevant parties. Once the form is completed and signed, it's essential to inform family members and healthcare providers about the DNR order and where it is stored. If emergency medical services are called, they need to be quickly made aware of the DNR order for it to be followed.

Incorrectly filling out personal information can also render the form invalid. This includes errors in the patient’s name, date of birth, or other identifiers. Accuracy is vital to ensure that the DNR order is linked to the correct individual.

Some people keep the DNR form in a place where it cannot be easily found in an emergency. Storing the DNR form where emergency responders cannot quickly locate it defeats its purpose. The form should be kept in a visible and accessible location, and its location communicated to those likely to be present in case of an emergency.

The mistake of failing to review and update the DNR form periodically is also common. People’s healthcare preferences may change over time, and it’s necessary to ensure that the DNR order reflects current wishes. Additionally, revoking a DNR order requires the form’s destruction and notification to all who were informed of its existence.

Lastly, some people do not discuss their decision with a healthcare provider before completing a DNR form. Consulting with a healthcare provider ensures that individuals understand the implications of a DNR order and that the form is filled out correctly. This discussion can also provide an opportunity to explore other advance directive options.

When dealing with a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Oregon, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape and the documents that often accompany or support such an order. A DNR is a critical document, but it seldom stands alone, especially in situations that involve comprehensive end-of-life planning or emergency medical preparation. Here's a closer examination of nine additional documents frequently used in conjunction with an Oregon DNR order:

• Advance Directive: This document allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment and appoint a healthcare representative in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves.
• Power of Attorney for Healthcare: Similar to an advance directive, this legal document authorizes someone else to make healthcare decisions on the individual's behalf if they are incapacitated.
• Living Will: A form of advance directive, a living will specifically addresses decisions around the use of life-sustaining measures in situations where recovery is unlikely.
• Portland POLST Form: Standing for Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, the POLST complements a DNR by providing more detailed instructions for health care providers, especially in emergency situations.
• Will: This document specifies how a person's estate should be handled after their death, including the distribution of assets and care of minors.
• Trust: A legal arrangement allowing a trustee to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary, which can include stipulations for healthcare and living expenses in cases of incapacity.
• Medical Records Release Form: Authorizes the sharing of an individual's health information between healthcare providers, ensuring that medical history is accessible during critical care decisions.
• Funeral Planning Declaration: Allows individuals to outline their preferences for funeral arrangements, including burial or cremation, in advance.
• Guardianship Appointment: Legal documentation necessary if appointing a guardian for making decisions on behalf of someone who is unable to do so for themselves, whether due to age, health, or incapacity.

These documents serve various roles, from specifying healthcare wishes to ensuring that personal and financial matters are handled according to the individual's desires. When prepared alongside a DNR order, they form a comprehensive approach to end-of-life planning, bringing peace of mind to the individual and their loved ones. Each document has its specific application and importance, contributing to a well-rounded and prepared estate and healthcare plan.

The Oregon Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form shares similarities with the Advance Directive. Like the DNR, an Advance Directive allows individuals to express their wishes regarding medical treatment should they become unable to communicate those preferences in the future. Both documents serve to guide healthcare professionals and family members in making decisions that align with the patient's desires, though the Advance Directive covers a broader range of medical interventions beyond the scope of resuscitation alone.

Another document akin to the DNR is the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST). While the DNR specifically addresses the wish to forgo resuscitation attempts in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest, the POLST encompasses a wider array of life-sustaining treatments, such as mechanically assisted nutrition, antibiotic use, and intubation preferences. Both forms are designed to ensure that patients' healthcare preferences are respected and adhered to during critical medical situations, but the POLST is more comprehensive in its approach.

The Living Will is also similar to a DNR order. This legal document outlines a person's preferences for end-of-life medical care, much like how a DNR order specifically denotes a desire not to receive CPR. Both documents are imperative in helping to ensure that medical treatment aligns with the individual’s values and wishes. However, the Living Will is broader, potentially encompassing many other aspects of care beyond the singular issue of resuscitation.

The Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy) document, while fundamentally different in its primary purpose, shares the aim of respecting the patient's healthcare preferences with the DNR order. This legal document appoints a specific individual to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the person if they become incapacitated, possibly including decisions about resuscitation. While the DNR directly conveys the patient's decision regarding CPR, the Medical Power of Attorney provides a broader delegation of decision-making power.

Lastly, the Five Wishes Document, although not legally binding in all states, is akin to the DNR in its purpose to communicate healthcare preferences. It is a comprehensive tool that goes beyond medical instructions to include personal, emotional, and spiritual wishes. The DNR and the Five Wishes Document both aim to ensure that healthcare and personal wishes are respected at the end of life, but the Five Wishes Document presents this in a more holistic and detailed manner.

Filling out an Oregon Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a crucial step for those who wish to ensure their medical care preferences are honored. To assist in completing this form accurately and effectively, here are essential do's and don'ts to consider:

Do's:

1. Read the entire form thoroughly before starting to fill it out. Understanding every section ensures that your wishes are accurately recorded.
2. Consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the implications of a DNR order. Their professional insight can help ensure that this decision aligns with your overall health care goals.
3. Use black ink for clarity and legibility. This makes the document easier to read and photocopy, ensuring that your wishes are unmistakable to anyone who might need to consult it.
4. Include the full legal name, date of birth, and other requested identification details to avoid any confusion about the patient's identity.
5. Ensure the form is signed and dated by the required parties, including the patient (or legal representative) and the physician. This is crucial for the document to be legally binding.
6. Make multiple copies. Keep the original in a safe but accessible place, and distribute copies to relevant parties, such as family members and healthcare providers.

Don'ts:

1. Don't leave any sections incomplete. Every field should be filled out to ensure the document fully expresses your wishes.
2. Don't use pencil or any ink color other than black. Documents filled out in pencil or colors other than black might not be considered valid in all contexts.
3. Don't sign without a witness present. Depending on the requirements, you might need a witness or notary to make the document legally enforceable.
4. Don't forget to review and update the form periodically. As circumstances and health conditions change, so too might your desires regarding a DNR order.
5. Don't fail to communicate your wishes to family and close friends. Sharing your decision with them ensures they are prepared to honor your wishes.
6. Don't keep your DNR order in a place where no one can find it. Its effectiveness is in its availability to healthcare professionals when needed.

When it comes to the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Oregon, there are a number of misunderstandings that can create confusion. It's important to clear these up to ensure that everyone's wishes are properly understood and respected. Here is a list of nine common misconceptions about the Oregon DNR Order form:

• All elderly people should have a DNR Order. This is not true. The decision to have a DNR Order is deeply personal and should be based on individual health conditions, personal values, and discussions with family and healthcare providers, not on age alone.
• Having a DNR means you won’t get any treatment. Many people think that a DNR Order means no medical treatment will be provided. However, a DNR specifically applies to not performing CPR if breathing stops or the heart stops beating. Other treatments can still be provided.
• Doctors can override a DNR Order if they disagree with it. In reality, doctors and healthcare providers are legally bound to respect the wishes outlined in a DNR Order. They cannot override it based on personal beliefs or preferences.
• A DNR Order is only for terminally ill patients. While often associated with end-of-life care, a DNR Order can be appropriate for others who wish to avoid aggressive life-saving measures like CPR, regardless of being terminally ill.
• You need a lawyer to complete a DNR Order. Although legal advice can be helpful in understanding the implications of a DNR Order, in Oregon, you do not need a lawyer to complete the form. It should be discussed and signed in the presence of a healthcare provider.
• DNR Orders are permanent and cannot be changed. This is a common misunderstanding. Individuals can change or revoke their DNR Order at any time based on their changing health situation or wishes.
• If you don’t have a DNR Order, doctors will always perform CPR. This is not always the case. Medical professionals will assess the situation and may decide not to perform CPR if they believe it will not benefit the patient’s quality of life or if it's medically futile.
• DNR Orders apply to all emergency medical services. In fact, DNR Orders specifically refer to not administering CPR. Other emergency treatments are not covered by a DNR and will be considered based on the situation and the patient's wishes.
• A DNR Order must be posted in a visible location at all times. While it is important that a DNR Order be easily accessible to healthcare providers in an emergency, it does not necessarily need to be posted in a visible location at all times. Carrying a DNR bracelet or keeping the order with other important documents can also be effective.

Understanding these misconceptions about the Oregon Do Not Resuscitate Order can help individuals make more informed decisions about their healthcare wishes and ensure those wishes are respected.

The Oregon Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a critical document for individuals who wish to express their desire not to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. Understanding how to properly fill out and use this form is essential for ensuring your wishes are honored. Here are key takeaways regarding this process:

• Completing the Form Accurately: It's crucial that the form is filled out accurately and completely. The individual or their legal representative must sign the form, alongside the signature of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who is licensed in Oregon. This ensures that the medical personnel are aware of and can verify the patient's wishes.
• Keep the Form Accessible: Once the DNR Order is signed, it should be kept in a location where it can be easily found by family members or caregivers. In an emergency, medical personnel will need to see the document quickly to adhere to the patient's wishes. Some people choose to keep it on the refrigerator or in an easily accessible file with other important medical documents.
• Informing Others of the DNR Order: It's important to have conversations with family, close friends, and medical providers about the existence of the DNR Order and where it can be found. This communication ensures that in a moment of crisis, those who are present can inform emergency responders of the patient's DNR status.
• Annual Review and Revocation: Circumstances and decisions can change. It's recommended that the DNR Order be reviewed annually or whenever there's a significant change in the patient's health condition. If at any time the individual wishes to revoke the DNR Order, this can be done by physically destroying the document or by informing the medical provider verbally or in writing.