Attorney-Approved Do Not Resuscitate Order Document for New Hampshire

What is a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) in New Hampshire?

A Do Not Resuscitate Order in New Hampshire is a legal document signed by a patient and their healthcare provider. It instructs healthcare professionals not to initiate CPR or other life-saving measures if the patient's heart stops or if they stop breathing. This decision is often made by individuals with terminal illnesses or those who wish to avoid aggressive medical interventions at the end of life.

How can someone obtain a DNR order in New Hampshire?

To obtain a DNR order in New Hampshire, individuals should discuss their wishes with their healthcare provider. If the provider agrees that a DNR order is appropriate, they will complete and sign the official New Hampshire DNR form along with the patient or the patient’s legally authorized representative. This document must then be kept in a place where it can be easily accessed by emergency personnel.

Who can consent to a DNR order?

A DNR order can be consented to by the patient themselves, provided they are of sound mind and capable of making their own healthcare decisions. If the patient is unable to consent due to their medical condition, a legally appointed guardian, durable power of attorney for healthcare, or next of kin can consent on the patient's behalf, following New Hampshire's laws on health care decision-making.

Is a DNR order permanent?

No, a DNR order is not permanent. Patients or their authorized representatives can revoke a DNR order at any time. Revocation can be done by physically destroying the DNR document, verbally revoking the order in the presence of a witness, or by indicating to healthcare providers that the patient wishes to receive resuscitative efforts after all.

Where should a DNR order be kept?

A DNR order should be kept in a place where it is readily accessible to emergency personnel. Common practice includes posting it on the refrigerator, carrying a copy on the person in a wallet or purse, or making sure that family members or caregivers know where it is. Some individuals also choose to wear a bracelet or necklace indicating their DNR status.

Does a DNR order affect other medical treatments?

No, a DNR order only applies to CPR and other resuscitative measures. It does not impact the patient's eligibility for other medical treatments or interventions, such as pain relief, oxygen, or antibiotics, unless specifically stated. Patients with a DNR order will continue receiving all other appropriate treatments and care to manage symptoms and maintain comfort.

How does one revoke a DNR order?

A DNR order can be revoked by the patient or their authorized representative at any time. This can be achieved by informing the healthcare provider in writing or verbally in the presence of a witness. Additionally, physically destroying the DNR document also serves as a revocation. After revoking a DNR, it is essential to inform all involved in the patient’s care, including family members and healthcare providers.

Are healthcare providers required to follow a DNR order?

Yes, healthcare providers in New Hampshire are legally obligated to follow a valid DNR order. The order informs them of the patient's wishes regarding not receiving CPR or other resuscitative measures in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Failure to comply with a legitimate DNR order can result in legal ramifications for healthcare providers.

When individuals in New Hampshire complete the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, several mistakes are commonly made. These errors can significantly impact the validity and effectiveness of the document. It's crucial to approach this form with precision and a clear understanding of its requirements and implications.

1. Not consulting with a healthcare provider: A critical mistake is filling out the DNR Order without consulting a healthcare provider. This form is a medical order and necessitates a conversation with a healthcare provider to ensure that the individual fully understands the consequences of a DNR and that it reflects their current medical needs and wishes.

2. Incomplete information: Another common error is leaving sections of the form incomplete. Every field in the DNR Order form is important for its proper execution. Missing information can lead to misunderstandings or delays in emergency situations, where every moment counts.

3. Using incorrect terminology: Individuals often use everyday language or abbreviations that they are familiar with, which might differ from the medical terminology required on the form. It's vital to use the precise terms specified in the form's instructions to avoid any ambiguity regarding the individual's wishes.

4. Failure to update the form: People's medical conditions and perspectives on life-saving treatments can change over time. Failing to update the DNR Order to reflect current wishes is a mistake that can lead to the implementation of an outdated plan during a medical emergency.

5. Lack of witness or healthcare provider signatures: The absence of required signatures from a witness or a healthcare provider invalidates the form. These signatures are essential to demonstrate the authenticity of the form and confirm that the individual's decision was made voluntarily and with informed understanding.

6. Not informing family members or caretakers: Finally, failing to discuss the DNR Order with family members or caretakers can lead to confusion or conflict in emergency situations. It's important for these individuals to understand the nature of the DNR to ensure that the patient's wishes are respected.

To avoid these mistakes, individuals should take the time to thoroughly review and understand each section of the form, consult healthcare professionals, and ensure that all involved parties are informed and in agreement with the DNR order. Properly completing and maintaining the DNR Order form is a critical step in respecting an individual's wishes regarding end-of-life care.

When preparing for medical care, especially in situations involving critical conditions or end-of-life decisions, the New Hampshire Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is one pivotal document. However, it is often accompanied by other important forms and documents that collectively support a person’s healthcare wishes. Understanding these additional documents can help ensure that one's healthcare preferences are fully outlined, respected, and followed.

• Advance Directive: This legal document specifies a person’s healthcare preferences, including treatments they do or do not want, in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves. It usually consists of a living will and a healthcare power of attorney.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPA): This designates a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual if they are incapacitated or otherwise unable to communicate their health care wishes.
• Living Will: A type of advance directive that outlines which medical treatments and life-sustaining measures an individual does or does not want if they are critically ill and cannot communicate their wishes.
• POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): Translates a person’s end-of-life wishes into medical orders to be honored by healthcare workers, and is often used alongside a DNR order for patients with serious illnesses.
• Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST): Similar to a POLST, this document specifies which treatments are to be used or avoided, based on the patient's preferences for end-of-life care.
• Guardianship Agreement: A court document that appoints someone to make medical and other types of personal decisions for someone else who is deemed unable to make decisions for themselves.
• Last Will and Testament: While not directly related to healthcare decisions, it specifies how a person’s property and possessions are to be distributed after their death, potentially including funeral wishes.
• Emergency Contact Information: A simple but critical document that provides healthcare professionals with contact information for a patient’s family members, friends, or other contacts in case of emergency.

Together, these documents provide a comprehensive framework for healthcare planning, ensuring that an individual's healthcare preferences are well-documented and legally recognized. It’s important for individuals to discuss these preferences with their loved ones and healthcare providers, and to keep these documents in a safe, accessible place where they can be quickly retrieved when needed.

The New Hampshire Do Not Resuscitate Order form is similar to several other healthcare directives in various ways. These documents serve to make a patient's wishes about medical treatment known in advance. They are especially relevant when the patient is unable to make decisions about their own healthcare. Below are comparisons to a few related documents.

Living Will: Similar to the New Hampshire Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, a Living Will provides instructions for end-of-life care, but it covers a broader range of situations beyond the absence of a heartbeat or breathing. While a DNR order specifically declines resuscitation attempts, a Living Will can address issues such as life support, tube feeding, and the use of ventilators. Both documents ensure that the patient’s wishes are respected during critical medical situations, yet a Living Will encompasses a wider scope of medical interventions.

Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA): Like a DNR order, a Medical Power of Attorney plays a crucial role in healthcare decision-making. However, while a DNR directly states a specific medical action to be taken (or not taken), an MPOA designates another person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient when they cannot do so themselves. This appointed agent can then make decisions in various medical situations, not limited to those involving resuscitation, based on the patient’s preferences and best interests.

POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): This form is closely related to a DNR order in its purpose and application. Both are designed to guide emergency medical personnel and other healthcare providers about the patient’s preferences in situations where immediate life-sustaining treatment is considered. However, a POLST is more comprehensive, as it can include preferences beyond do not resuscitate orders, such as hospitalizations, antibiotics, and artificial nutrition. While a POLST can encompass a DNR directive, it also addresses a wider array of treatment options and situations.

When the time comes to fill out the New Hampshire Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, knowing what to do and what not to do is crucial. This document is vital for ensuring that a patient's wishes are respected in critical healthcare situations. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the process more smoothly.

Do:

• Ensure that the patient or their legally authorized representative fully understands the implications of a DNR order before signing. This decision should be made carefully, considering all the aspects of the patient's health and personal wishes.
• Fill out the form completely, leaving no sections blank unless specifically instructed. Accuracy and thoroughness are key to ensuring that healthcare providers can follow through with the patient's wishes without any confusion.
• Consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions about the DNR order or if you're uncertain about any part of the form. They can provide valuable insights and clarification on medical terms or procedures mentioned in the document.
• Keep the original DNR order in an easily accessible place and provide copies to relevant family members and healthcare providers. This ensures that the order can be quickly found in an emergency.

Don't:

• Sign the form without making sure that all involved parties, especially the patient, fully understand its significance. A DNR order is a legally binding document that has serious implications for a patient's care.
• Leave sections of the form incomplete or fill them out inaccurately. Mistakes or omissions can lead to misunderstandings or an inability to honor the patient's wishes at a critical time.
• Forget to update the DNR order if the patient's health status or wishes change. A DNR order should be reviewed periodically and revised if necessary to reflect the current preferences of the patient.
• Assume that a DNR order is universally recognized. Make sure that healthcare providers, especially if the patient changes facilities or moves to another state, are aware of the DNR order and have an up-to-date copy.

When it comes to the New Hampshire Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, there are several misconceptions that can cause confusion for individuals and their families. Understanding the facts behind these misunderstandings is crucial for making informed decisions about end-of-life care. Here are four common misconceptions:

• DNR orders are only for the elderly or those in hospice care. This is not accurate. DNR orders are available for any individual who, based on their healthcare preferences and discussions with their physician, decides that they do not want to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event their heart stops beating or they stop breathing. This includes people of all ages and health conditions.
• Having a DNR order means you will not receive any medical treatment. This is a misunderstanding. A DNR order specifically addresses the use of CPR and other life-sustaining measures if you stop breathing or your heart stops. It does not mean that you will be denied other types of medical care, such as pain management, oxygen, or medications.
• If you have a DNR order, you cannot change your mind. Actually, you can change your mind about a DNR order at any time. This decision can be revised based on your current health condition or change in wishes. Communication with your healthcare provider is essential to make any necessary adjustments to your care plan.
• A DNR order can be issued without the patient's consent. This is incorrect. A DNR order must be voluntarily requested by the patient or, if the patient is unable to make such a request, by a legally recognized health care proxy or family member authorized to make medical decisions on the patient’s behalf. This ensures that the patient's wishes are respected and followed.

Clearing up these misconceptions is vital for individuals to make well-informed decisions about their health care and for families to support their loved ones’ wishes effectively. Everyone’s situation and preferences are unique, and discussions about DNR orders should be personalized and ongoing with healthcare providers.

Understanding the New Hampshire Do Not Resuscitate Order Form is crucial for ensuring that your wishes regarding life-saving measures are respected. Below are key points to keep in mind when filling out and using this form:

1. A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order must be signed by a licensed physician to be valid. This indicates that the physician agrees that no attempts should be made to revive you in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
2. Discuss your wishes with your doctor thoroughly before deciding on a DNR order. It's vital that both you and your physician clearly understand and agree on what a DNR entails and what it means for your health care.
3. The form needs to be easily accessible to emergency personnel. Often, it is recommended to keep it on the refrigerator or in an easily visible and well-known location.
4. In addition to keeping the original document accessible, consider giving copies to your health care proxy, close family members, and even your attorney, if you have one.
5. Clear communication is key. Make sure to discuss your DNR order with your loved ones and any caretakers to ensure they understand your wishes and the existence of the DNR order.
6. The DNR order should be reviewed periodically. This is especially important if there's a significant change in your health status, as this might affect your decisions regarding resuscitation efforts.
7. Be aware that if you are transferred to a new healthcare facility, the DNR order might not automatically transfer with you. Ensure that the form accompanies you during any transfer and that new caregivers are made aware of its existence.
8. If you change your mind, you can revoke the DNR order at any time. This should be done in writing and, if possible, discussed with your physician to ensure the revocation process is properly documented and understood.
9. For those residing in or frequently visiting New Hampshire but are not permanent residents, it's important to know that New Hampshire's DNR orders are recognized across state lines. However, checking the specific procedures and policies of your home state or any states you'll be visiting can provide additional peace of mind.

Completing a DNR order is a significant step in planning for your health care. It represents your choices and ensures they're known and respected by those providing your care. Whether you're scheduling a routine check-up or preparing for a major surgery, having a DNR order in place speaks clearly about your wishes regarding life-saving intervention.