Do Not Resuscitate Order Document for the State of Oklahoma

Detailed Instructions for Using Oklahoma Do Not Resuscitate Order

Filling out an Oklahoma Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a crucial step for individuals who wish to express their desires regarding the receipt or non-receipt of resuscitation in case of a cardiac or pulmonary arrest. It is an important document that ensures a person's medical and end-of-life preferences are honored. The Oklahoma DNR form is a legally binding document that must be completed correctly to be valid. The following steps are designed to guide individuals through the process, making it as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

1. Gather the necessary information, including the full legal name, date of birth, and the address of the person for whom the DNR order is being prepared.
2. Read the entire form carefully to understand the implications of a DNR order and ensure that it aligns with the individual's wishes.
3. In the section designated for patient information, enter the name, date of birth, and address of the person to whom the DNR applies.
4. If the individual is able to consent, they must sign and date the form in the provided space, affirming their decision to have a DNR order in place. If the individual is not able to consent due to medical conditions, a legal representative, such as a durable power of attorney for health care or a court-appointed guardian, may sign on their behalf.
5. Have the individual's physician review the form. The physician should then fill in the medical information section, including any relevant medical diagnoses that justify the DNR order.
6. The physician must sign and date the form, thereby certifying their agreement with the DNR order and acknowledging that they have discussed it with the patient or the patient's legal representative.
7. Keep the completed DNR order in a prominent place where it can be easily found by emergency personnel. Copies should also be given to the individual’s physician, local hospital, and any health care facility in which the patient resides or receives care.

Once the Oklahoma DNR form is properly filled out and signed, it becomes a critical part of the individual's medical record. It is essential for effectively communicating the person's wishes to medical providers, family members, and caregivers, ensuring that these preferences are respected in emergency situations. As personal wishes and medical conditions may change over time, it is advisable to periodically review and, if necessary, update the DNR order to reflect current preferences.

1. What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Oklahoma?

   A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Oklahoma is a legal document that tells healthcare providers not to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if a patient's breathing stops or if the patient's heart stops beating. It is a decision made by a patient or the patient's legal representative, indicating that they do not want any measures taken to revive them in the event of a life-threatening situation. The DNR Order respects the patient's wishes for end-of-life care, ensuring that they receive only the types of care they desire.

2. Who can authorize a DNR Order in Oklahoma?

   In Oklahoma, a DNR Order can be authorized by the patient themselves if they are of sound mind and legally competent. Alternatively, if the patient is unable to make such a decision due to a medical condition, a legally authorized representative, such as a healthcare proxy or a durable power of attorney for health care, can authorize it on behalf of the patient.

3. How can one obtain a DNR Order in Oklahoma?

   To obtain a DNR Order in Oklahoma, a discussion with a healthcare provider is necessary. This involves a thorough conversation about the patient's wishes, health status, and the implications of a DNR Order. Once the decision has been made, the healthcare provider will prepare the DNR Order, which must be signed by the patient or their legally authorized representative, and then by the healthcare provider. The form is then kept with the patient’s medical records.

4. Is a DNR Order permanent?

   No, a DNR Order is not permanent. The patient or their legal representative can revoke or cancel it at any time. This decision should be communicated immediately to the healthcare provider so that the DNR Order can be removed from the patient's medical records. Additionally, it's advised to destroy any physical copies of the DNR Order to prevent its unintended use.

5. Does having a DNR Order affect the quality of care a patient receives?

   Having a DNR Order does not affect the quality of care a patient receives. The order strictly applies to CPR and does not restrict the patient from receiving other forms of medical treatment, such as pain management or antibiotic therapy, unless specified otherwise in an advance directive. Healthcare providers continue to offer the highest standard of care respecting the patient's wishes as outlined in the DNR Order.

6. Can a DNR Order be transferred to other states?

   While a DNR Order is legally binding in Oklahoma, its validity in other states can vary. Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding DNR Orders. If a patient plans to move or spend a significant amount of time in another state, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or legal professional in that state to ensure the DNR wishes are honored.

7. What should be done with the DNR Order once it is completed?

   Once a DNR Order is completed, it should be placed in a location where it is easily accessible to healthcare providers in case of an emergency. Suggestions include near the patient's bed at home, or in a wallet or purse if away from home. It is also recommended to inform family members, caretakers, and possibly close friends of the DNR Order's existence and its location.

8. How does a DNR Order work in a hospital setting?

   In a hospital setting, the DNR Order is included in the patient’s medical records. Healthcare providers and the care team are informed of the DNR status, ensuring that in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest, CPR will not be initiated. It’s vital for patients or their representatives to communicate the presence of a DNR Order upon admission to ensure it's respected throughout their hospital stay.

9. Is a DNR Order different from an advance directive?

   Yes, a DNR Order is different from an advance directive. An advance directive is a broader document that outlines a patient's wishes regarding various aspects of medical care should they become unable to make decisions for themselves. While a DNR Order specifically addresses the desire not to receive CPR in life-threatening situations, an advance directive can cover a wider range of treatment preferences, including the use of life-sustaining measures, artificial nutrition and hydration, and pain management. It’s beneficial for patients to have both documents to ensure comprehensive representation of their healthcare wishes.

1. Not consulting with a healthcare provider beforehand: Prior to completing the form, it's important to discuss your health condition and the implications of a DNR order with a healthcare provider. This step ensures that the decision is made with a full understanding of the medical facts and ethical considerations.

2. Using incorrect or outdated forms: The state may update the DNR form to reflect changes in laws or regulations. Using an outdated version can invalidate the form. Always verify that you are using the most current form available from a reliable source.

3. Incomplete information: Every section of the form must be filled out accurately. Missing information can render the document invalid or lead to misunderstandings about the person's wishes.

4. Misunderstanding the purpose of the form: Some people confuse a DNR order with other advance directives, such as a living will or a healthcare power of attorney. It's crucial to understand that a DNR specifically addresses CPR and does not apply to other medical treatments or interventions.

5. Failing to sign the form: For a DNR order to be valid, it must be signed by the person it concerns or their legally authorized representative. Without a signature, the form has no legal standing.

6. Not having the form witnessed or notarized as required: Depending on state requirements, a DNR form may need to be either witnessed or notarized. Ignoring this step can lead to questions about the authenticity of the form.

7. Not discussing the decision with family members: Failing to communicate the decision to have a DNR order with family members and loved ones can lead to confusion and distress during medical emergencies.

8. Not making the form accessible: A DNR order should be easily accessible to emergency responders and healthcare providers. Keeping the form in a safe but obscure place defeats its purpose. It's recommended to inform close family members of its location and consider registering the order with a doctor or hospital.

Making a well-informed and carefully considered decision about a DNR order, and ensuring that the form is filled out correctly and kept accessible, can provide peace of mind and ensure that one's wishes are respected during critical moments.

When preparing for end-of-life decisions, it's crucial to understand that the Oklahoma Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is just one piece of the puzzle. There are multiple documents that usually accompany or are associated with a DNR order, each serving a unique role in ensuring a person's healthcare and personal wishes are respected. Understanding these documents can provide individuals and their families with a comprehensive approach to planning for health care preferences.

• Advance Directive for Health Care: This document allows an individual to outline what medical actions should be taken if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity. It often includes living will provisions and designations of a health care proxy or power of attorney.
• Medical Power of Attorney: This legal document designates someone else, often called a healthcare proxy, to make healthcare decisions on behalf of an individual if they become unable to do so. It's distinct from a general power of attorney, which typically covers financial decisions.
• Living Will: While similar to an advance directive, a living will specifically documents a person's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment in various medical situations. It typically comes into play only under circumstances where the individual’s recovery is not expected.
• Five Wishes Document: Recognized in many states, this document combines a living will and health care power of attorney but also addresses personal, emotional, and spiritual needs in addition to the medical and legal aspects of end-of-life planning.
• Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Order: Similar to a DNR, this document is specifically designed to inform emergency medical personnel that an individual does not wish to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempted if their heart stops or if they stop breathing outside of a hospital setting.
Organ and Tissue Donation Registration: This registration makes an individual’s wishes concerning organ and tissue donation known. It can be included in an advance directive or filled out separately through a state registry.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Form: Appropriate for seriously ill individuals, this medical order specifies the types of life-sustaining treatment an individual wants or does not want at the end of life. It is intended to travel with the patient across care settings.

In wrapping up, these documents, combined with the Oklahoma Do Not Resuscitate Order, construct a complete framework for communicating an individual’s healthcare wishes. Preparing these documents in advance can ensure that healthcare providers and loved ones are well-informed of these wishes, leading to a more dignified and respectful experience during what is often a challenging time. It's advised to consult with legal and healthcare professionals when completing these documents to ensure that they are correctly filled out and reflective of the individual's intentions.

A Living Will is similar to an Oklahoma Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in that it expresses an individual's preferences regarding medical treatment in cases where they are unable to communicate their decisions. Both documents are used to guide healthcare providers on the type of care a person wishes to receive or avoid, particularly in end-of-life situations. While a DNR specifically refuses resuscitation attempts, a Living Will is broader, covering a range of medical interventions.

An Advance Healthcare Directive, much like a DNR, allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences, including decisions about life-sustaining treatment. This legal document can also designate a healthcare proxy to make decisions on behalf of the patient if they become incapacitated. An Oklahoma DNR is a form of advance directive specifically focused on the refusal of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and other resuscitative measures.

A Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy) designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual if they become unable to do so. While a DNR explicitly states the individual’s wish not to undergo certain life-saving measures, a Medical Power of Attorney provides a broader authority, including the power to enforce or refuse the DNR based on the patient's current medical condition and previously expressed wishes.

A POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is closely related to a DNR as it outlines a patient's preferences for end-of-life care, including the use of intubation, mechanical ventilation, and other life-sustaining treatments. Both the POLST and DNR are designed to ensure that healthcare providers respect the patient’s wishes during critical situations. However, the POLST offers more comprehensive orders beyond CPR decisions.

A Health Care Surrogate Designation enables an individual to appoint a surrogate to make healthcare decisions if they become incapacitated. Similar to a DNR, this document comes into play when the patient cannot make medical decisions themselves. However, unlike a DNR which has a specific instruction not to resuscitate, a Health Care Surrogate Designation gives the surrogate discretion to make a range of health care decisions, including the implementation of a DNR.

A Five Wishes Document combines elements of a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney, allowing individuals to specify their personal, emotional, and spiritual needs in addition to their medical and legal wishes at the end of life. Similar to a DNR, it helps communicate one's desires regarding life-support treatment but goes further in addressing comfort care, dignity, and communication with loved ones.

Last Will and Testament is fundamentally different in purpose from a DNR, focusing on the distribution of an individual's assets after death rather than medical treatment preferences. However, both documents are similar in that they reflect personal wishes and require legal recognition to be enforceable. A Last Will and Testament may also include instructions that complement the individual’s healthcare wishes, such as donations for scientific research or organs, which could align with the personal philosophies influencing a DNR decision.

When completing the Oklahoma Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it's crucial to keep certain dos and don'ts in mind to ensure the process is done correctly and efficiently. Here are six key points to remember:

• Review the form carefully before filling it out. Understand each section to make sure you provide accurate and complete information.
• Consult with a healthcare provider to fully understand the implications of a DNR order and ensure it reflects the patient's wishes.
• Use black or blue ink for clarity and permanence. This ensures the form is legible and photocopies well.

• Leave sections incomplete. If a section does not apply, mark it as "N/A" (not applicable) instead of leaving it blank to avoid any confusion.
• Sign or date the form without a witness or notary public present. Oklahoma law requires that the form be either witnessed or notarized to be considered valid.
• Rely solely on the DNR order for end-of-life planning. Consider other advance directives, like a living will or healthcare power of attorney, for a comprehensive approach.

• A common misconception is that a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in Oklahoma applies to all medical treatments. In reality, a DNR specifically instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event a person's heart stops or they stop breathing. It does not refuse other types of medical interventions or treatments that may be necessary to provide comfort or address other health issues.

• Many believe that completing a DNR order form in Oklahoma requires the involvement of a lawyer. This is not the case. While legal advice may be beneficial in understanding the broader aspects of advance care planning, the process of completing a DNR form in Oklahoma typically involves a discussion with a healthcare provider, who can help fill out the form and ensure it reflects the individual’s wishes accurately.

• There is a misconception that a DNR order is permanent and cannot be changed once it's been put in place. However, individuals have the right to update or revoke their DNR order at any time, reflecting a change in their healthcare preferences. This flexibility ensures that an individual's current wishes are always respected, regardless of previous decisions.

• Some people mistakenly think that DNR orders limit the communication between healthcare providers and the patient's family. In fact, effective communication is crucial for the implementation of a DNR order. Healthcare providers are encouraged to discuss the patient’s wishes and the specifics of the DNR order with family members, as this ensures that everyone involved understands the patient’s desires regarding lifesaving treatment.

• Another misunderstanding is that DNR orders are only for the elderly or those with terminal illnesses. People of any age with various health conditions might consider a DNR order as part of their advance care planning. The decision to have a DNR in place is personal and can be based on a variety of factors, including health status, personal beliefs, and values surrounding end-of-life care.

Appropriately filling out and using the Oklahoma Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is crucial for ensuring that a patient's end-of-life care preferences are respected. Here are key takeaways to consider:

• A DNR Order tells health care providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's breathing stops or if the patient’s heart stops beating.
• It must be signed by a licensed physician to be valid. The physician’s signature confirms that the patient (or their legal representative) has discussed their wishes regarding CPR and has made an informed decision.
• The form requires patient identification information to ensure it accurately represents the patient’s wishes. This includes the patient's full name, date of birth, and address.
• Legal representatives can sign the form on behalf of the patient if the patient is unable to do so due to their medical condition. This could be a legally appointed guardian, health care proxy, or someone with durable power of attorney for health care.
• The DNR Order should be readily accessible to health care providers. Often, it is recommended to keep the original document in a visible location within the patient's residence and to provide copies to the patient's primary care physician and local hospital.
• It’s crucial to inform family members and caregivers about the DNR Order. Having conversations about the decision can help prevent confusion or distress in emergency situations.
• Patients have the right to revoke the DNR Order at any time. A revocation must be communicated verbally or in writing to the health care provider to ensure that CPR will be performed in future emergencies.
• Regular review of a DNR Order is advised; a patient's wishes may change. Additionally, moving to a new state may require a new form, as laws and regulations regarding DNR orders vary by state.

Ensuring the DNR order is correctly filled out and managed can provide peace of mind for patients and their families, knowing that their wishes will be respected during critical moments.