Local Law Firms Home > Probate & Estate Planning Wills Overview > Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order can be set up by someone who does not want to be resuscitated in the event of a cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. This may be a humane way out for aged people who do not want to survive any longer in a long-term care facility, or for someone who is in a lot of pain and desires euthanasia. A DNR order is different from euthanasia because no one is pulling the plug here. Listed below are some of the other "end of life" scenarios that an estate planning attorney can help with:
A DNR has to be made in writing and signed by the person asking for it, along with two adult witnesses. At least one of the witnesses needs to be from outside the family and/or the estate inheritors. Before this, the matter has to be discussed with the healthcare provider, whose signature is also required on the DNR. A DNR can be revoked at any time, just like other wills. A copy has to be attached to the medical records and one copy kept outside of the healthcare facility. Many patients do not have the capacity or resources to get it done in writing. In such cases, the family can make this decision for the patient. Would you like to find out more about a DNR order? Our attorneys are here to help you and your family with this. Contact a wills and trusts lawyer in your area today to discuss the details of your case and explore your options. Did you know? Physician aid-in-dying (PAD) is legal in three US states. PAD is more along the lines of assisted suicide because the patient self-administers the lethal medication. It is a legal in Oregon, Montana and Washington. |