A DNR order, or a do-not-resuscitate order, is a pre-written healthcare directive made by a patient concerning life-saving medical interventions. As the name implies, DNRs tell doctors not to resuscitate the patient in certain circumstances – usually if the heart stops.
Figuring out if you want a DNR order as part of your estate plan can be confusing. There's always the “what ifs” to contend with. At Heritage Law Office, our estate planning attorney can walk you through all the scenarios and help you determine what is important to you. Contact us online or at 414-253-8500 to learn more about DNRs and other tools you can use in a smart, comprehensive estate plan.
What is Resuscitation?
Resuscitation is treatment given when a person's blood flow or breathing stops. Doctors and physicians have several ways of resuscitating patients, the most common of which include:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which involves mouth-to-mouth breathing and pressing on the chest
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
- Defibrillation
- Assisted breathing machines, like a ventilator
- Medicines
In some cases, these resuscitation methods save the patient from death but leave them in poor condition. People who want to avoid the latter outcome can create and sign a Do-Not-Resuscitate order, preventing doctors from resuscitating under certain or any circumstances.
How DNRs Work in Wisconsin
A DNR is a legally-binding, dated order, written and signed by your physician with the patient's name. The doctor can only write a DNR order after consulting with you (the patient), your appointed representative, or a member of your family. The order, once executed, instructs medical providers to refrain from resuscitating the named patient. Each state varies somewhat with specifics about the DNR order. For example, some DNRs expire over a certain period of time while others remain indefinitely.
Like an advance directive or a living will, DNRs allow you to express your preferences regarding end-of-life care. Unlike these other forms of healthcare directives, though, DNRs are very straightforward: they tell doctors not to resuscitate the patient. CPR and other forms of resuscitation are automatically performed to save a person's life in the absence of an appropriate DNR order.
A DNR order can be a stand-alone document, or it can be a smaller part of an advanced directive. An advanced directive is a collection of all legal orders surrounding a patient's medical care, like health care proxies and living wills.
Can Anything Override a DNR Order in Wisconsin?
Once a doctor writes a DNR order upon your request, no one can override it––including family members. If you change your mind about the DNR, however, you can always speak to your doctor and have it revoked.
Things to Consider Prior to Signing a DNR in Wisconsin
There are a few things to consider prior to signing a DNR. Here's a short list.
- Do you have any religious, ethical, or moral beliefs opposed to resuscitation? Some religions oppose resuscitation methods while some people are simply opposed to the idea on moral or ethical grounds.
- Why do you not want to be resuscitated? Are you seriously ill or have you been diagnosed with a terminal illness? Sometimes a person who is not terminally ill may want a DNR order if their health generally is deteriorating.
- Do the side effects worry you? Side effects can be serious even if resuscitation is successful. If chest compressions were used, you could end up with broken ribs, punctured lungs, or a damaged heart. For an older person, these physical injuries are significant.
- Do survival rates concern you? People over the age of 70 who are revived through resuscitation often do not have good survival rates. Though statistics vary, for most elderly persons, outcomes can be depressing, and so for some, it feels like they are prolonging the inevitable. It is important to keep in mind, though, each person is different, and you could have a good prognosis even when the statistics indicate otherwise.
Contact an Estate Planning Lawyer in Wisconsin Today
Whether to have or not a DNR order, it's a difficult decision to make. Speak to your doctor. Speak to loved ones. And speak to an estate planning attorney in Wisconsin. Somewhere in the middle of these consultations, you will figure out what is right for you. Just remember, if you decide to have one, you always have the right to revoke it and request CPR or another resuscitation method, as appropriate.
At Heritage Law Office, we want to make sure you do what is best for you. Having an estate plan that is comprehensive and thorough is your best insurance to make sure your preferences regarding your medical treatment and the management of your estate are carried out the way you want them to be. Contact us online or at 414-253-8500 to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Order?
A Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order is a legal directive instructing healthcare providers not to perform life-saving interventions like CPR when a patient's heart stops or they stop breathing. It is written and signed by a physician after consultation with the patient, a representative, or a family member.
2. How is a DNR different from an Advanced Directive or a Living Will?
While a DNR focuses strictly on resuscitation efforts, an Advanced Directive or a Living Will is more comprehensive. It can include a DNR, but also covers broader aspects of a patient's medical care preferences, such as healthcare proxies and specifics about the kind of care they want to receive if they can't make decisions for themselves.
3. Can a DNR order be overridden or revoked?
Once a DNR order is written and in place, it cannot be overridden by anyone, including family members. However, if the patient changes their mind about the DNR, they can always consult their physician to have it revoked.
4. What are the considerations before signing a DNR?
Before signing a DNR, it's important to consult with your physician, loved ones, and an estate planning attorney. Each state has different rules regarding DNR orders, and considerations can include understanding the implications of not being resuscitated, considering the potential quality of life after resuscitation, and discussing your wishes with your loved ones.
5. How does Heritage Law Office assist with DNR and estate planning?
Heritage Law Office provides comprehensive support for estate planning, including guidance on DNR orders. Our attorneys can walk you through various scenarios, help determine your preferences, and ensure your wishes are legally documented. We offer free consultations and serve clients across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and California.
