Printable Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for Missouri State

How to Fill Out Missouri Do Not Resuscitate Order

Filling out a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form in Missouri is a critical process for those who wish to have their preferences known regarding resuscitation efforts in a medical emergency. This document is legally binding and tells healthcare providers not to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) if your heart stops beating or you stop breathing. The following steps are designed to ensure that the form is filled out accurately and completely, ensuring that your wishes are clearly documented and respected.

1. Start by obtaining the latest version of the Missouri Do Not Resuscitate Order form. This can usually be found through your healthcare provider, local hospital, or by searching the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.
2. Ensure that the person for whom the DNR order is intended is clearly identified. Fill in the full name, date of birth, and address in the designated sections on the form.
3. If the individual has a designated health care proxy or power of attorney, make sure their information is also included. This section may require the name, relationship to the patient, and contact information of the proxy or attorney.
4. Read through the document carefully to understand the implications of the DNR order. This step is crucial as it ensures that the person filling out the form is fully aware of what the document entails.
5. The next step involves the signature of the patient or, if applicable, the patient’s legal representative. This legally validates the form, indicating the individual's understanding and agreement with the DNR order. The date of the signature must also be provided.
6. A physician's signature is required to make the DNR order valid. The doctor will review the order, confirm the patient's wishes, and then sign and date the form. This is an essential part of the process, as it provides medical confirmation of the patient's DNR status.
7. After completing the form, it is important to keep it in a location where it can be easily found by emergency responders. Common locations include on the refrigerator, near the person’s bed, or in a wallet card indicating the existence of a DNR order.
8. Lastly, inform close family members, caregivers, and potentially your legal representative, about the DNR order. Communicating your wishes ensures that there is no confusion during an emergency.

Once these steps are completed, the Do Not Resuscitate Order form will be active. It’s a critical step in making sure that an individual's wishes are respected during emergency medical situations, and it plays a crucial role in end-of-life planning. Keep in mind that the DNR order can be revoked or updated at any time by following the appropriate legal procedures, ensuring that the individual’s preferences are always up-to-date.

When people fill out the Missouri Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it is crucial to avoid errors that can prevent the document from serving its intended purpose. Here are five common mistakes:

1. Not having the form signed by a qualified healthcare provider: The form needs to be signed by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant to be valid. When this step is overlooked, the DNR Order cannot be legally recognized.

2. Leaving out patient information or providing inaccurate details: Every section that requests patient information, such as the name, date of birth, and medical record number, must be completed. Failing to provide accurate and complete information can lead to confusion in emergency situations.

3. Missing witness signatures: If the patient is unable to sign the form themselves due to physical incapacity, a witness signature is required. Neglecting to have the form witnessed compromises its enforceability.

4. Not discussing the decision with family members: While not a mistake on the form itself, failing to communicate the decision to have a DNR Order with close family members or caregivers can lead to distress and confusion during critical moments.

5. Failing to review and update the form: Health status and preferences can change. A DNR Order should be reviewed periodically and updated if necessary. Keeping an outdated form without reflecting current wishes can result in unwanted medical interventions.

It is essential for individuals considering a DNR Order in Missouri to complete the form with great care and seek guidance from healthcare professionals to ensure its proper execution and adherence to legal and personal requirements.

In the realm of healthcare, particularly at the end of life, the Missouri Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a crucial document. It enables patients to express their wishes not to receive CPR in the event their heart stops or they stop breathing. However, the DNR order is not the only form used to guide healthcare providers and families in making decisions that align with a patient's preferences. Several other forms often accompany or are used along with the Missouri DNR order form to ensure holistic care planning.

• Advance Healthcare Directive: This document allows individuals to outline their wishes for medical treatment and interventions in various scenarios, not limited to resuscitation. It often includes preferences regarding life support, invasive procedures, and organ donation.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA): This form enables a person to designate another individual, known as a healthcare proxy or agent, to make medical decisions on their behalf in case they become unable to communicate their wishes directly.
• Living Will: A living will specifically addresses end-of-life care preferences. It is more focused than an advance healthcare directive and is used to declare wishes regarding the use of life-sustaining treatments, such as mechanical ventilation, dialysis, or tube feeding, when a person is facing a terminal condition or is permanently unconscious.
• POLST Form (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): While similar to the DNR order, the POLST form goes further by providing detailed instructions about other types of life-sustaining treatments beyond CPR, such as antibiotic use, feeding tubes, and the use of ventilators. It is designed for seriously ill or frail patients for whom death within a year would not be surprising.

Each of these documents serves a unique purpose but together, they provide a comprehensive plan for a person’s healthcare, reflecting their values, beliefs, and preferences. Understanding and completing these forms in conjunction with a Do Not Resuscitate order ensure that healthcare providers and family members are well-informed of a patient's desires, facilitating decisions that respect the patient's autonomy and dignity at the end of life.

The Missouri Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is similar to other advance directive documents in several critical ways. Both types of documents serve as legal instruments designed to communicate a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they cannot speak for themselves. While the DNR specifically addresses the desire not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest, other documents cover a broader range of end-of-life care preferences.

The Living Will is a document that shares similarities with the Missouri DNR Order form in its purpose to guide medical treatment. However, it differs in scope. The Living Will allows individuals to express their wishes regarding a variety of medical interventions, not just CPR. This document becomes active only when a person is terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state and cannot communicate their wishes. In essence, while the DNR focuses on a specific medical procedure, a Living Will provides instructions on a broader range of life-sustaining treatments, such as mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes, and other invasive medical interventions.

The Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA), another document akin to the Missouri DNR, empowers an individual, known as the principal, to designate an agent to make health care decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. Like the DNR, the HCPOA is critical for end-of-life care planning. However, its scope is more extensive. The agent can make decisions about a variety of treatments and interventions, not just CPR. The ability to choose someone to speak for the patient in a wide range of medical scenarios creates a comprehensive tool for ensuring that one's health care preferences are honored, embracing the principle of autonomy in medical decision-making even when direct communication is no longer possible.

Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is also similar to the Missouri DNR Order in its focus on end-of-life care decisions. The POLST form goes beyond the simple refusal of CPR stated in a DNR to include orders about other life-sustaining treatments, such as hospitalization, intubation, and the use of antibiotics. Designed for seriously ill patients, the POLST form ensures that a patient's treatment preferences are honored across various settings, from the home to the hospital. Both the POLST and DNR forms are medical orders that directly influence the care delivered during critical moments, yet the POLST provides a broader directive concerning end-of-life treatment options.

Completing a Missouri Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a critical step for ensuring that your healthcare wishes are respected. To assist in this sensitive process, here are key dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

• Consult with a healthcare provider before filling out the form. A professional can provide valuable insight and ensure the form reflects your wishes accurately.
• Use a black or blue pen for clarity and durability. This ensures the form is legible and withstands handling over time.
• Include all required information, such as your full name, date of birth, and specific medical conditions. Accuracy is crucial for the form's validity.
• Discuss your decision with family members or loved ones. This step can prevent confusion and ensure that everyone is aware of your wishes.
• Review and update the form regularly. Changes in health status or wishes should be reflected in an updated DNR order.
• Ensure the form is accessible. Keep it in a location where it can be easily found by emergency personnel or healthcare providers.

• Fill out the form without fully understanding its implications. Make sure you understand what a DNR order means for your emergency care options.
• Use pencil or any writing tool that can easily be erased or smudged. This can compromise the document's integrity.
• Leave sections incomplete. Every field is important for the DNR's effectiveness and legal standing.
• Forget to sign and date the form. Without your signature or that of an authorized representative, the form is not valid.
• Fail to communicate your decision with your primary care physician or the hospital where you receive treatment. They should be informed and have a copy of your DNR order on file.
• Store the form in a location that is not immediately accessible in an emergency situation. A DNR form should be easy to find to ensure your wishes are followed.

In Missouri, a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a critical document for those who want to ensure their end-of-life care wishes are known and respected. However, there are several misconceptions about the DNR order that can lead to confusion. Here are seven common misunderstandings:

• Myth 1: A DNR order is the same as giving up on life. This is not true. A DNR order is a specific instruction not to use cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. It does not mean that other treatments will be withheld. It is a decision made by individuals who wish to avoid aggressive measures that might prolong life in a manner inconsistent with their values or desires.

• Myth 2: Only the elderly can have a DNR order. Age is not a factor in whether someone can have a DNR order. Patients of any age with chronic, serious health conditions who wish to avoid CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest can discuss this with their healthcare provider to determine if a DNR order is appropriate for their circumstances.

• Myth 3: A DNR order affects all medical treatments. This is a common misconception. A DNR order specifically addresses the use of CPR and does not impact other treatments or care, such as pain management, oxygen, or antibiotics, unless specifically stated otherwise in an advance directive.

• Myth 4: Doctors can override a patient's DNR order. In Missouri, a valid DNR order must be respected by healthcare professionals. However, if there is confusion or concern about the patient's true wishes or the validity of the order, healthcare providers may engage in discussions with family members or legal representatives to ensure the patient's desires are accurately understood and followed.

• Myth 5: A verbal DNR order is sufficient. While emergency medical personnel may respect a verbal DNR order in the presence of a witness, it is essential to have a formally documented DNR order in Missouri. This helps ensure that the patient's wishes are clearly communicated and can be followed in various healthcare settings.

• Myth 6: DNR orders are permanent and cannot be changed. A DNR order can be revoked or modified at any time by the patient or their legal representative, ensuring that it reflects the patient's current wishes about end-of-life care. It is a good practice to review one's DNR order periodically, especially after any significant change in health status.

• Myth 7: I need a lawyer to complete a DNR order. While legal advice can be helpful in understanding the full implications of any advance directive, including a DNR order, it is not necessary to have a lawyer to complete a DNR form in Missouri. A healthcare provider can assist in completing the form, ensuring it meets all legal requirements and accurately reflects the patient's wishes.

Filling out and utilizing the Missouri Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a significant step for individuals making decisions about end-of-life care. Below are key takeaways to consider when managing this essential document:

• Clear Communication is crucial. The person completing the DNR form, often in consultation with family and healthcare providers, must clearly understand what a DNR order means. It instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) if the patient's breathing stops or if the heart stops beating.

• Physician Involvement is required. For a DNR order to be valid in Missouri, it must be signed by a licensed physician. This ensures that the decision is made based on medical advice and the patient’s health condition.

• Accessibility of the form is critical. Once completed, the DNR order should be kept in a location where it can be easily accessed by healthcare providers in case of an emergency. Common places include with the patient, in the home visible to emergency personnel, or filed with a primary care provider.

• Revocation Process allows for flexibility. Individuals have the right to change their minds after completing a DNR order. If an individual decides to revoke a DNR, it is recommended to physically destroy the existing document and inform any healthcare providers or family members previously aware of the decision.