Attorney-Approved Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for Rhode Island

What is a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) in Rhode Island?

A Do Not Resuscitate Order, commonly referred to as a DNR, is a medical order in Rhode Island. It tells health care providers not to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if a patient's breathing stops or if the patient’s heart stops beating. It's used to respect the patient's wishes to not have aggressive life-saving methods applied in these circumstances.

Who can request a DNR in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, an adult patient with the capacity to make healthcare decisions can request a DNR order. When a patient cannot make their own medical decisions, a legally authorized representative, such as a healthcare power of attorney, can request a DNR on the patient's behalf based on known wishes of the patient or the patient’s best interest.

How can one obtain a DNR order in Rhode Island?

To obtain a DNR order, the patient or their authorized representative needs to discuss this decision with the patient’s doctor. The doctor must then agree that the DNR is in the best interest of the patient's health and wishes. After this discussion, the doctor will write and sign the order, making it official.

Where should a DNR order be kept?

A DNR order should be kept in a place where it is easily accessible to emergency personnel or hospital staff. Common places include with the patient, in a visible location in the patient's home like on the refrigerator or near the bed, and with any and all of the patient's health care providers.

Is a DNR order valid in all settings?

In Rhode Island, a DNR order is valid in all healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and in the patient's home. It is important, however, to ensure that the DNR order is easily accessible and that family members or caregivers are aware of its existence and location.

Can a DNR order be revoked or changed?

Yes, a DNR order can be revoked or changed at any time by the patient if they are capable of making their own medical decisions or by the patient’s legally authorized representative. This is done by informing the healthcare provider of the decision to revoke or change the order, and, if necessary, completing a new order.

Does having a DNR mean I won't receive any medical treatment?

No, having a DNR order does not mean that you will be denied medical treatment. It simply means that CPR will not be performed in the event that your breathing or heart stops. You will still receive all other appropriate treatments and care for your condition.

What is the legal status of a DNR order in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, a DNR order is legally recognized and must be followed by healthcare providers. It is a key document that ensures a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation are respected in accordance with state laws.

Filling out a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a significant step for individuals in Rhode Island who wish to make their healthcare wishes known in advance. However, it's a process that often encounters mistakes. These errors can potentially lead to misunderstandings about a person's wishes regarding life-saving healthcare interventions. Let's explore six common mistakes people make when completing their Rhode Island Do Not Resuscitate Order form.

1. Not Consulting with a Healthcare Provider: Many individuals fill out the DNR form without first having a comprehensive discussion with their healthcare provider. This conversation is crucial as it ensures that the person fully understands the implications of a DNR order and how it aligns with their health condition and end-of-life wishes.

2. Incomplete Information: Another common mistake is leaving sections of the form incomplete. Each part of the Rhode Island DNR form is important for conveying a person's specific instructions clearly. An incomplete form can lead to confusion and might not be honored in a critical situation.

3. Failure to Update the Form: A person's healthcare preferences can change over time. However, individuals often forget to update their DNR orders to reflect these changes. Regularly reviewing and updating the form ensures that it always represents one's current wishes.

4. Lack of Witness or Notary Signatures: Depending on the state requirements, a DNR order might need to be either witnessed or notarized, or both. In Rhode Island, not having the form properly witnessed or notarized can render it invalid, leaving individuals without the protection they intended.

5. Not Informing Family Members: Many people complete a DNR order without informing their family members or those closest to them. This omission can cause surprise, confusion, or conflict during emergency situations when family members are unaware of the individual's wishes.

6. Not Making Copies Easily Available: Finally, even when a DNR order is properly filled out and completed, failing to make copies easily accessible can lead to its directives not being followed. It's important that copies are provided to the individual’s healthcare provider and any medical facilities they frequent, and that family members know where the original document is kept.

Understanding and avoiding these mistakes can make a significant difference in ensuring that a person's healthcare wishes are respected and followed. It's about clear communication, both in the document itself and with those involved in one’s care and life. Making well-informed decisions and ensuring that documentation accurately reflects those decisions is key to effective advance healthcare planning.

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form in Rhode Island is a critical document, guiding healthcare professionals on the patient’s wishes regarding resuscitation in the event of respiratory or cardiac arrest. Often, this document does not stand alone. Several other important documents and forms usually accompany it, working together to ensure a patient's healthcare preferences are fully understood and respected. Here’s a look at five of these essential documents.

• Living Will: This document, also known as an advance directive, allows individuals to state their wishes about medical treatment in scenarios where they are unable to communicate their decisions. It often covers broader issues than a DNR order, including the refusal of or request for specific treatments.
• Medical Power of Attorney (POA): A medical POA designates a person, sometimes called a healthcare proxy, to make healthcare decisions on behalf of someone if they are incapacitated. This power includes decisions outside of those specified in a living will or DNR order, covering a broader range of medical issues.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): Similar in intent to a DNR, a POLST form differs in its detail and scope. It is designed for seriously ill patients and provides specific instructions about a wide range of life-sustaining treatments, in addition to resuscitation preferences.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Release Form: This form allows healthcare providers to share the patient’s medical information with designated individuals. It’s crucial for family members or friends involved in the patient's care, ensuring they have access to necessary information to make informed decisions.
• Emergency Contact Form: Though not a medical directive, an emergency contact form is important as it provides healthcare professionals with contact information for next of kin or a healthcare proxy. This ensures that when quick decisions need to be made, the right people can be contacted without delay.

Together with a DNR order, these documents form a comprehensive approach to managing healthcare preferences and emergencies. By preparing these documents in advance, individuals can ensure that their healthcare wishes are known, understood, and respected, even in situations where they cannot speak for themselves. It’s about taking control of one's medical care and providing guidance to loved too ones and healthcare providers during difficult times.

The Rhode Island Do Not Resuscitate Order form is similar to other forms of advance healthcare directives, but it focuses specifically on the desire not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. This form is crucial for individuals who want to ensure their wishes are respected regarding end-of-life care. Unlike broader directives, it does not cover other medical treatments or interventions.

The form is also akin to a Living Will, in that both documents concern an individual's preferences for medical care when they are unable to communicate their wishes themselves. However, while a Living Will can provide instructions for a range of medical treatments and end-of-life care, the Do Not Resuscitate Order specifically addresses the use of CPR and other life-sustaining measures in the event of the patient's breathing or heart stopping.

Similarly, it can be compared to a Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form. The Rhode Island Do Not Resuscitate Order and the MOLST form both serve as medical orders, reflecting the patient's preferences in their medical records. While the MOLST form is comprehensive, addressing various life-sustaining treatments such as intubation, antibiotic use, and feeding tubes, the Do Not Resuscitate Order is limited to the rejection of CPR.

Filling out a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in Rhode Island is a critical step for those who wish to make their end-of-life care wishes known. This document tells health care providers not to perform CPR in the event your heart stops or if you stop breathing. To ensure the DNR order reflects your wishes accurately and is legally recognized, it's important to follow proper guidelines.

Here are seven dos and don'ts to consider when completing the Rhode Island DNR order form:

• Do: Check for the most current form. Ensure you're using the latest version of the Rhode Island DNR order form by consulting with healthcare providers or the Rhode Island Department of Health.
• Do: Fill out the form legibly. Using clear handwriting or typing ensures that your information is easily readable and there are no misinterpretations of your wishes.
• Do: Provide accurate information. Confirm that all personal information, including your full legal name and date of birth, is correct to avoid any confusion.
• Do: Discuss your decision with your healthcare provider. It's essential to have a conversation with your doctor or healthcare provider about your decision so they can offer professional advice and ensure the DNR order aligns with your health condition and wishes.
• Do: Have the form signed as required. Rhode Island law might require your signature as well as that of a witness or healthcare provider. Ensure all necessary parties sign the document for it to be valid.
• Don't: Leave sections incomplete. Every section of the form should be filled out to ensure there are no ambiguities about your wishes.
• Don't: Forget to distribute copies. Once completed and signed, give copies to your healthcare provider, keep one for yourself, and share it with your family or healthcare proxy. It's important that the right people are aware of your DNR status.

Many people have misconceptions about the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, particularly in Rhode Island. These misunderstandings can affect decisions about end-of-life care. Here are ten common misconceptions explained plainly to provide clarity.

• Only seniors can have a DNR order. Anyone, regardless of age, can have a DNR order if they have a serious health condition that makes CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) unlikely to succeed or if they wish to avoid aggressive life-saving measures.
• A DNR is a complete refusal of all medical treatment. This is not true. A DNR order specifically relates to CPR and does not mean other forms of medical care, like pain management or antibiotic therapy, will be refused.
• You need a lawyer to complete a DNR form. While legal advice may be helpful in understanding the implications of a DNR, in Rhode Island, a DNR form is a medical order that can be completed with your physician.
• 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 to reflect the patient’s current wishes and health status.
• Doctors can override a DNR if they disagree with it. Physicians are legally and ethically required to respect the wishes expressed in a DNR order. While they can discuss the implications and advise their patients, the final decision rests with the patient or their designated healthcare proxy.
• A DNR order will ensure a natural death no matter where the person is. DNR orders are primarily effective in medical facilities. For emergencies outside of healthcare settings, specific measures, like wearable DNR bracelets, are necessary to inform emergency personnel of the DNR status.
• Signing a DNR order will affect the quality of care received. Medical professionals are committed to providing the best possible care to all patients. A DNR order does not impact the quality of care, other than directing clinicians to forego CPR in specific circumstances.
• A DNR order is only for people with terminal illnesses. While many people who choose a DNR order have terminal conditions, it is also an option for individuals with chronic illnesses or specific wishes about end-of-life care.
• Emergency responders will always check for a DNR before administering CPR. Ideally, emergency personnel will check for a DNR, but in fast-paced, life-threatening situations, this might not always be possible. This underscores the importance of making a DNR status known in advance through discussions and wearable indications.
• Completing a DNR form means your wishes will automatically be communicated to all healthcare providers. After completing a DNR form, it’s essential to discuss your wishes with family, caregivers, and all healthcare providers involved in your care to ensure your wishes are understood and followed.

Understanding these points about Rhode Island's Do Not Resuscitate Order can ease some concerns and help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare. It's crucial to communicate effectively with healthcare providers and loved ones about your wishes regarding end-of-life care.

When considering the Rhode Island Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, several key takeaways are crucial to understand. These insights ensure the form is filled out and used correctly, ultimately respecting the patient's wishes regarding life-saving measures in emergency situations.

• The Rhode Island DNR Order form must be completed with precision, clearly indicating the patient's decision not to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event that their breathing stops or their heart ceases beating. This choice is deeply personal and often made after thorough discussions with healthcare providers and loved ones about the patient's desires for end-of-life care.
• It's imperative that the form is signed by both the patient (or their authorized healthcare agent) and the patient's physician. The physician's signature is a critical component, as it verifies that the patient's wishes have been discussed and are medically understood. Without these signatures, the DNR order may not be considered valid.
• The original DNR Order should be kept in an easily accessible location. In an emergency, healthcare providers will need to see the document quickly to comply with the patient's wishes. Copies should also be provided to family members or friends who are likely to be present in an emergency, and if applicable, a copy should be registered with the patient's primary care facility.
• It's important to communicate with healthcare providers outside of the primary care setting to ensure they are aware of the DNR order. For example, if the patient is admitted to the hospital for any reason, the hospital staff should be informed of the DNR order as soon as possible. This proactive communication can prevent any confusion or unwanted interventions in emergency situations.

Understanding and properly implementing a Do Not Resuscitate Order in Rhode Island requires careful attention to detail and clear communication. By fully grasping these key aspects, individuals can ensure their wishes are respected throughout their healthcare journey.