Homepage >> Attorney-Approved Massachusetts Do Not Resuscitate Order Document

Key takeaways

Understanding the Massachusetts Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is essential for individuals who wish to make their healthcare preferences clear. Here are key takeaways regarding the use of this form:

  • The DNR Order must be completed and signed by a licensed physician to be valid.
  • Individuals should discuss their wishes with family members and healthcare providers before filling out the form.
  • The completed DNR Order should be easily accessible, such as being kept in a medical file or on the refrigerator door.
  • It is important to review and update the DNR Order regularly, especially if there are changes in health status or treatment preferences.

Documents used along the form

In Massachusetts, the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important document that allows individuals to express their wishes regarding resuscitation efforts in the event of a medical emergency. Several other forms and documents are often used in conjunction with the DNR to ensure comprehensive advance care planning. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a specific purpose in the healthcare decision-making process.

  • Health Care Proxy: This document designates a person to make medical decisions on behalf of an individual if they become unable to do so. It ensures that a trusted person can advocate for the individual's wishes regarding treatment.
  • Living Will: A living will outlines an individual's preferences for medical treatment in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes. It typically addresses end-of-life care and specific interventions.
  • Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): This form translates a patient's wishes regarding treatment into actionable medical orders. It is designed for individuals with serious illnesses and provides clear instructions for healthcare providers.
  • Advance Directive: An advance directive is a broader term that encompasses both the health care proxy and living will. It allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical care and appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf.
  • Medical Record Release Authorization: This document allows individuals to authorize the sharing of their medical records with designated parties. It is essential for ensuring that healthcare providers have access to necessary information.
  • Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: Similar to a DNR, a DNI order specifies that a patient should not be intubated in the event of respiratory failure. It complements the DNR by addressing specific interventions.
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS) DNR Form: This form is specific for use by emergency medical services. It ensures that first responders are aware of the individual's DNR wishes in emergency situations.
  • Patient's Bill of Rights: This document outlines the rights of patients within the healthcare system, including the right to make informed decisions about their care and to have their wishes respected.
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  • Medication Administration Record (MAR): This record tracks medications administered to patients. It ensures that healthcare providers are aware of ongoing treatments and any potential interactions with advance directives.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in ensuring that an individual's healthcare preferences are respected and followed. Understanding these forms can help individuals and their families navigate complex medical decisions and ensure that their wishes are honored throughout their care journey.

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Definition A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a legal document that instructs medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest.
Governing Law The Massachusetts DNR Order is governed by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 201D, which outlines the requirements for advance directives.
Eligibility Any adult who is capable of making their own medical decisions can complete a DNR Order. This includes individuals with terminal illnesses or severe medical conditions.
Form Requirements The DNR Order must be signed by the patient or their legal representative, and it requires the signature of a physician to be valid.
Notification It is essential for the DNR Order to be readily accessible to medical personnel, typically by being displayed prominently in the patient's medical records or on their person.
Revocation A patient can revoke a DNR Order at any time. This can be done verbally or in writing, and medical staff must honor the patient's current wishes.

Guide to Writing Massachusetts Do Not Resuscitate Order

Completing the Massachusetts Do Not Resuscitate Order form is an important step for individuals who want to express their wishes regarding medical treatment in emergency situations. After filling out the form, it is advisable to keep copies in accessible places and share them with family members and healthcare providers to ensure your preferences are known.

  1. Begin by obtaining the Massachusetts Do Not Resuscitate Order form. You can find it online or request a copy from your healthcare provider.
  2. Fill in your full name at the top of the form. This ensures that the order is clearly associated with you.
  3. Provide your date of birth. This helps to confirm your identity and avoid any confusion.
  4. Indicate the name of your healthcare proxy, if you have one. This person can help communicate your wishes if you are unable to do so.
  5. Sign and date the form. Your signature is essential for validating the order.
  6. Have your healthcare provider sign the form. Their signature is required to make the order official.
  7. Make copies of the completed form. Keep one for your records and provide copies to your healthcare provider and family members.
  8. Store the original form in a safe but accessible location. Ensure that it can be easily found in case of an emergency.

Similar forms

  • Advance Directive: This document outlines an individual's preferences for medical treatment in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes. It often includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments, similar to a Do Not Resuscitate Order.
  • Living Will: A living will specifies the types of medical treatments a person wishes to receive or avoid at the end of life. Like a Do Not Resuscitate Order, it focuses on end-of-life care preferences.
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document designates an individual to make healthcare decisions on behalf of someone else. It can complement a Do Not Resuscitate Order by ensuring that a person's wishes are honored when they are unable to express them.
  • Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST is a medical order that outlines a patient's preferences for treatment in emergency situations. It provides specific instructions similar to those in a Do Not Resuscitate Order.
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  • Health Care Proxy: A health care proxy allows a person to appoint someone to make medical decisions on their behalf. This document supports the intentions expressed in a Do Not Resuscitate Order by ensuring that the appointed individual understands the patient's wishes.
  • Do Not Intubate Order: This order specifically indicates that a patient should not be placed on a ventilator. It aligns with the principles of a Do Not Resuscitate Order by limiting invasive medical interventions.
  • Comfort Care Order: This document focuses on providing comfort measures rather than curative treatments. It shares similarities with a Do Not Resuscitate Order in that it prioritizes quality of life over aggressive medical interventions.
  • End-of-Life Care Plan: An end-of-life care plan outlines the goals and preferences for care as a person approaches death. It often includes directives similar to those found in a Do Not Resuscitate Order, ensuring that a patient's wishes are respected.