Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate Order Form

1. What is a Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate Order form?

   A Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a legal document that communicates a person's wish not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) if their heart stops beating or they stop breathing. This form is used in medical settings across Connecticut to ensure that healthcare providers follow a patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care.

2. Who can request a DNR Order in Connecticut?

   In Connecticut, a DNR Order can be requested by any adult with the capacity to make their own healthcare decisions or by someone legally authorized to make decisions on behalf of the patient, such as a healthcare proxy or power of attorney. Additionally, for minors, a parent or guardian may request a DNR Order in accordance with the child's health care wishes and best interests.

3. How does one get a DNR Order in Connecticut?

   To obtain a DNR Order in Connecticut, the individual or their authorized representative must have a conversation with a healthcare provider. This includes discussing the individual's health condition, prognosis, and their wishes regarding CPR and life-sustaining treatments. If it's agreed that a DNR Order is appropriate, the healthcare provider will complete and sign the form.

4. Is the consent of a doctor required to issue a DNR Order?

   Yes, the consent of a licensed healthcare provider is required to issue a DNR Order in Connecticut. The healthcare provider must assess the patient's condition, discuss the implications of a DNR Order, and agree that it aligning with the patient's healthcare wishes and is in their best interest based on their medical condition.

5. Where should a DNR Order be kept?

   A DNR Order should be kept in a place where it can be easily found and presented in case of an emergency. It is recommended to keep a copy at home in a visible location, such as on the refrigerator, and to inform close family members or caregivers of its location. Additionally, the patient or their representative should provide a copy to their primary care physician and any facilities where the patient receives care.

6. Can a DNR Order be revoked or modified?

   Yes, a DNR Order can be revoked or modified at any time by the patient or their authorized representative. To revoke or modify a DNR Order, communicate the change to the healthcare provider who will then make the necessary adjustments to the medical records. It is also important to inform family members and caregivers of any changes to the patient's DNR status.

7. Does a DNR Order affect other medical treatments?

   No, a DNR Order specifically addresses the use of CPR and related life-sustaining measures in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. It does not impact the provision of other medical treatments or comfort care measures. Patients with a DNR Order will continue to receive appropriate medical care tailored to their needs and wishes.

8. What happens if a DNR Order is not presented in an emergency?

   In the absence of a presented DNR Order during an emergency, medical providers will typically proceed with all available life-saving measures, including CPR. This is why it is crucial for individuals with a DNR Order, or their representatives, to ensure it is readily accessible and that healthcare providers are aware of its existence.

Completing a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form in Connecticut is an extremely important process for individuals wishing to make their healthcare wishes known, especially in situations where they may not be able to communicate their decisions. Unfortunately, mistakes can occur when filling out these forms, which might lead to unwanted medical interventions or confusion during critical times. Here are eight common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not using the official form: Individuals sometimes use forms that are outdated or not specific to Connecticut. It's crucial to ensure the form used is the current version approved by the state.
2. Failing to sign the form: For a DNR Order to be valid, it must be signed by the person the order is for or their legally authorized representative. An unsigned form is considered incomplete and will not be honored.
3. Leaving out the date: The signing date is essential as it provides evidence of when the decision was made, ensuring that the DNR order reflects the most recent wishes of the individual.
4. Incomplete witness information: Connecticut law may require witness signatures to validate the form. Not having the complete witness information can invalidate the document.
5. Not discussing with a healthcare provider: While not always a formal requirement, neglecting to discuss the implications of a DNR order with a healthcare provider can lead to misunderstandings about the individual's desires for end-of-life care.
6. Misunderstanding the form's scope: It's important for individuals to understand that a DNR order only applies to CPR and does not affect other forms of medical treatment. Confusion about the scope can lead to unintended consequences.
7. Not informing family or healthcare proxies: Individuals often overlook the step of informing their family or designated healthcare proxies about their DNR order, leading to potential conflicts or confusion in emergency situations.
8. Failure to review and update: Healthcare wishes can change over time, but individuals frequently forget to review and, if necessary, update their DNR orders to reflect their current preferences.

Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure that a DNR Order accurately reflects an individual's healthcare wishes and is readily accepted and understood by healthcare providers and loved ones. Addressing these aspects can significantly reduce stress and confusion for everyone involved during challenging times.

Lastly, it is also highly recommended to keep multiple copies of a signed and dated DNR order in easily accessible locations, and to consider registering the order with Connecticut's e-Directive Registry if available. This extra step can further ensure that an individual's healthcare wishes are honored without delay.

When navigating the complexities of healthcare preferences, especially concerning end-of-life decisions, the Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a pivotal document. However, this form is often just a piece of the puzzle. Several additional documents can complement a DNR order, each serving its unique role in ensuring an individual's healthcare and personal wishes are respected and followed. Here are five key documents often used alongside the Connecticut DNR Order form:

• Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will): This legal document allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in scenarios where they are unable to communicate their wishes themselves. It can include specifics about the use of life-sustaining measures in addition to the DNR order.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA): A healthcare POA designates a trusted person to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual if they become incapable of making those decisions themselves. This document works hand-in-hand with the DNR order by ensuring that the designated agent is aware of and can advocate for the individual's wishes regarding resuscitation and other treatment preferences.
• HIPAA Release Form: This document authorizes the disclosure of an individual's health information to specified persons. It's crucial in enforcing a DNR order, as it allows healthcare professionals to share vital information with those designated to make decisions or to be informed about the patient’s condition.
• Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST): Similar to a DNR, a MOLST form provides more comprehensive instructions regarding a range of life-sustaining treatments, including intubation, mechanical ventilation, and artificial nutrition. This document complements a DNR by providing specific instructions across various scenarios.
• Emergency Contact Information: While not a formal legal document, maintaining updated emergency contact information alongside a DNR order ensures that family members or designated representatives can be quickly notified in emergency situations. This ensures that the patient’s health care preferences, including the DNR order, are communicated to new healthcare providers.

Together, these documents form a protective framework around the patient, ensuring that their healthcare decisions are respected at all times. When considering completing a Connecticut DNR Order, individuals and their families should consider also preparing these complementary documents. Doing so provides a comprehensive approach to managing one’s healthcare wishes, offering peace of mind to all involved.

The Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is similar to other advance directive forms used in the healthcare field, designed to communicate a patient's wishes regarding the extent of treatment they wish to receive in the event they can no longer express those wishes due to illness or incapacity. Such documents are vital for ensuring that an individual's healthcare preferences are honored, particularly in situations where life-sustaining treatment options need to be considered.

The form bears resemblance to a Living Will, which is another type of advance directive. Both documents serve to guide healthcare professionals and family members in making medical decisions on behalf of the patient when they are unable to do so themselves. While a DNR specifically addresses the use of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and other resuscitative measures, a Living Will is broader in scope. It can address a range of life-sustaining interventions, from mechanical ventilation to feeding tubes, and indicate whether the patient desires such treatments.

Another analogous document is the Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA), also known as a Healthcare Proxy. Like the DNR order, it is a preparatory measure taken to ensure a patient's medical preferences are observed. However, rather than specifying particular treatments or interventions, an MPOA appoints a surrogate decision-maker. This chosen representative has the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient across a spectrum of medical situations, not limited to those that are life-threatening, in case the patient is incapacitated.

The DNR is also comparable to a POLST form (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), which goes beyond the general wishes captured in a living will or the proxy decision-making authorization of an MPOA. POLST forms are medical orders signed by a healthcare provider based on the patient’s wishes about the types of medical treatment they would or would not want towards the end of life. While a DNR mainly focuses on the non-use of CPR, POLST forms can include instructions regarding CPR, intubation, antibiotic use, and feeding tubes, among other interventions.

Filling out the Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important process that requires attentiveness and care. Here are some essential dos and don'ts that can guide you through the process effectively.

Do's:

• Verify the patient's identity accurately before proceeding. Make sure you have the correct patient name and information to avoid any legal issues or misunderstandings.
• Consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or uncertainties regarding the DNR form or its implications. It’s important to have a clear understanding of what the document entails.
• Ensure that the form is filled out completely. Every required section should be completed to make the document legally binding and effective.
• Use legible handwriting if you are filling out the form by hand. This helps healthcare providers read and follow the directives without confusion.
• Have the form signed by the authorized individuals. Depending on the requirements, this may include the patient (if able), a legal guardian, or a healthcare proxy.
• Keep the DNR form in an easily accessible location. In case of an emergency, healthcare providers should be able to locate and reference the document quickly.
• Make copies of the completed DNR form. Provide one to the patient’s primary care provider and keep another in a safe place for records.

Don'ts:

• Don’t fill out the form in haste. Take your time to ensure all information is accurate and all decisions are well-considered.
• Don’t forget to discuss the decision with all parties involved. This includes family members, healthcare providers, and the patient (if capable), to ensure everyone is aware of the patient’s wishes.
• Don’t leave any sections blank unless instructed. Unfilled sections may invalidate the form or lead to misinterpretations of the patient's wishes.
• Don't use pencil or any erasable ink to fill out the form. Always use black or blue ink for permanence and clarity.
• Don’t ignore state-specific requirements. Each state, including Connecticut, may have unique guidelines or requirements for DNR orders, so it’s crucial to follow them closely.
• Don’t alter the form after it has been completed and signed without proper authorization. Any changes should be made through a formal process to ensure they are legally valid.
• Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if there are any complexities or concerns about the DNR order. It's important to ensure that the patient’s rights and wishes are fully protected and respected.

Many people have misconceptions about the Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form. These misunderstandings can significantly impact decisions regarding end-of-life care. Here are ten common misconceptions about the Connecticut DNR form explained:

• Only the elderly or terminally ill can have a DNR order: Individuals might assume DNR orders are exclusively for the elderly or those with terminal conditions. However, people of any age with significant health issues who wish to avoid resuscitation in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest can opt for a DNR order.
• A DNR order is permanent and irreversible: Some believe once a DNR order is in place, it cannot be changed. In reality, a DNR order can be reassessed and revoked by the patient or their designated healthcare agent at any time, should their situation or preferences change.
• The form needs to be signed by a lawyer to be valid: There is a misconception that DNR orders must be signed by a lawyer to be valid. In reality, the DNR form needs to be completed and signed by a qualified healthcare provider and the patient or their authorized representative for it to be legally recognized.
• A DNR order means no medical treatment will be provided: Some individuals mistakenly believe that a DNR order means the patient will not receive any medical treatment. However, it specifically instructs healthcare professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. Patients with a DNR order still receive all other appropriate medical treatments and care.
• DNR orders are effective in any setting: It’s often assumed a DNR order is applicable in all settings. The truth is, for the order to be effective outside of a hospital, a specialized form known as a "community DNR order" must be completed in Connecticut. This ensures first responders are aware of the patient's wishes.
• Doctors can override a DNR order: People sometimes believe that doctors have the authority to override a DNR order if they feel it’s in the patient's best interest. In fact, a legally completed DNR order must be followed by healthcare professionals unless it is revoked by the patient or their healthcare agent.
• Family members can easily revoke a DNR order: There is a misconception that family members can revoke a patient’s DNR order without the patient's consent. Only the patient or their legally designated healthcare agent can alter or revoke the order, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and documentation of the patient's wishes.
• A DNR order is the same as a living will: Some confuse DNR orders with living wills, believing they serve the same purpose. A DNR order specifically addresses the use of CPR, while a living will provides instructions about a broader range of end-of-life care preferences.
• Having a DNR means you cannot be admitted to a hospital: Individuals might wrongly assume that having a DNR order prevents them from being admitted to a hospital. Patients with a DNR order can be hospitalized and receive medical care; the order merely instructs healthcare providers not to initiate CPR in cases of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
• The DNR form must be filed with the state to be valid: Some believe that for a DNR order to be valid in Connecticut, it must be filed with a state agency. Actually, there is no requirement to file the form with the state. It should, however, be readily accessible and part of the patient's medical records to ensure it is respected by healthcare professionals.

Understanding the proper usage and requirements for the Connecticut Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is critical for ensuring that a patient's wishes are respected regarding resuscitation efforts. Here are four key takeaways that must be considered:

• A valid DNR order must be completed by a Connecticut licensed physician. The physician's signature, along with the date, confirms the order's validity and ensures it is legally binding.
• The form should clearly state the patient's wish not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempted in the event that they stop breathing or their heart stops beating. This decision should be made after a thorough conversation between the patient (or their authorized representative) and the healthcare provider.
• The original DNR order should be kept in an easily accessible location. It is vital that family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers know where the form is located to ensure that the patient's wishes are followed in an emergency.
• In case of emergency medical services (EMS) intervention, the DNR form should be presented to the EMS personnel immediately upon their arrival. This is crucial for preventing any unwanted CPR attempts and ensures that the patient’s end-of-life wishes are respected.