A DNR is a \u2018do not resuscitate order\u2019 and is oftentimes part of an advance directive. It is always important to have an advance directive in place if you become incapacitated and are unable to make medical and personal decisions on your own. Even with an advance directive, you want to make sure to have a valid DNR in place, as well, if this reflects your wishes for end-of-life care.<\/p>\n
When it comes to drafting a DNR order as part of an advance directive, it is important that you have knowledgeable and qualified legal counsel working on your or your loved one\u2019s behalf. An experienced California elder law attorney could assist you with\u00a0drafting the necessary documents<\/a>\u00a0that will comply with your wishes.<\/p>\n First and foremost, an advance directive is a type of legal document<\/a>. This document is drafted to let your healthcare providers and family members know your medical wishes in the event you are unable to express those wishes on your own. An advance directive might come into play if you become terminally ill, become seriously injured, or are in a\u00a0coma<\/a>\u00a0and unable to speak for yourself.<\/p>\n Advance directives may contain a lengthy amount of information. For example, they could describe the type of medical treatment that you want to receive, depending upon the nature and extent of your injury or illness. The directive might also describe the type of care that you would wish to receive if you are currently suffering from a malady that you are unlikely to recover from. Finally, the directive might describe the type of medical care and treatment that you wish to receive if you are in a permanent coma or otherwise unconscious.<\/p>\n A good and effective advance directive should include several components. Those components often include a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. With a durable power of attorney<\/a>, you essentially appoint someone to speak on your behalf regarding medical decisions in the event you are unable to make those decisions on your own. An advance directive might also include\u00a0physician orders for life-sustaining treatment, sometimes abbreviated as POLST<\/a>, which is prepared by a health care provider and ensures that you will receive the medical treatment that you wish to receive.<\/p>\n Finally, an advance directive should contain a \u2018do not resuscitate order,\u2019 if this aligns with your wishes. This order is essentially a request to your doctor that you do not want CPR or some other life-saving measure administered if you stop breathing (or if your heart stops beating). If you complete a DNR, your health care provider will ensure that the order is placed in your chart. Moreover, these orders do not necessarily have to be part of an advance directive, and they can be done on their own.<\/p>\nWhat Does an Advance Directive Accomplish?<\/h2>\n
What Should an Effective Advance Directive Include?<\/strong><\/h3>\n