Local Law Firms Home > Medical Malpractice Overview > Do Not Resuscitate Orders Do Not Resuscitate orders give a clear indication of an patient's desires and can give instructions to loved ones struggling with emotionally and legally hard decisions. Once it is made, a Do Not Resuscitate order is entered onto an individual's medical chart or other document that the patient carries with them at all times.
A medical professional obeying a patient’s Do Not Resuscitate order is immune from civil responsibility, criminal prosecution, professional disciplinary action, administrative sanction, or any other sanction for listening to that person’s wishes. The only condition is that the doctor or other medical professional must think, in good faith, that their action was consistent with medical regulations and he or she must have had no knowledge that their choice would be conflicting with the patient's orders and directive. Did you know? Do Not Resuscitate orders should be reviewed occasionally and modified if needed. Additionally, patients can choose to withdraw Do Not Resuscitate orders. If there is hesitation about the status of an individual’s Do Not Resuscitate order, medical staff should attempt resuscitation.
|