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Do Not Resuscitate Order

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Do Not Resuscitate Order
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What a Do Not Resuscitate Order Is and how it functions

A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) is a medical directive that instructs clinicians not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or advanced cardiac life support if a patient’s heart stops or they stop breathing. DNRs may be issued as standalone physician orders, included within broader advance directives, or recorded as part of state POLST/MOLST forms. The form documents patient wishes, the treating clinician’s authorization, and often the circumstances and scope of withheld interventions. Properly completed DNR orders inform emergency responders and care teams and guide in-hospital and out-of-hospital care decisions.

Why a DNR order matters for patients and care teams

A clear Do Not Resuscitate Order ensures a patient’s preferences about life-sustaining treatment are recognized and followed, reduces unwanted interventions, and helps clinicians make time-sensitive decisions consistent with the patient’s goals of care.

Why a DNR order matters for patients and care teams

Who typically completes or relies on a DNR order

Patients with serious or life-limiting illness, their legally authorized representatives, attending physicians, and facility staff commonly prepare and implement DNR orders.

  • Patients with terminal illness or frailty who decline resuscitation attempts.
  • Physicians or advanced practice clinicians who must document medical orders.
  • Family members or legal proxies acting under a valid durable power of attorney for healthcare.

Key signers and decision-makers

Attending Physician

The attending physician (or authorized clinician) typically reviews patient capacity, documents the DNR order, and signs to make it an actionable medical order followed by treatment teams and EMS when applicable. Their entry should include date, clinical rationale, and scope.

Patient Proxy

A legally authorized surrogate or durable power of attorney for healthcare may complete a DNR on behalf of an incapacitated patient, but requirements for proxy signatures vary by state and facility policy; documentation of authority should accompany the order.

Required information commonly included on a DNR

Patient Name: Full legal name
Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY
Medical Record: MRN or hospital ID
Order Scope: CPR only or broader
Clinician Name: Printed and signed
Signature Date: MM/DD/YYYY

Step-by-step: completing a DNR order correctly

Follow a consistent sequence: confirm identity and capacity, discuss goals, document the order, and distribute the signed order to care teams and EMS where applicable.

  • 01
    Confirm Identity: Match legal name and DOB to medical records.
  • 02
    Evaluate Capacity: Assess decision-making ability and document findings.
  • 03
    Discuss Preferences: Explain options and record the patient’s wishes.
  • 04
    Sign and Record: Clinician signs, dates, and files in the chart.

Typical routing and handling for a signed DNR

After signing, ensure the DNR is entered into the medical record, made visible at the bedside, and communicated to EMS or other receiving providers.

  • Chart Filing: Scan or attach original to the electronic medical record immediately.
  • Bedside Notice: Place facility-specific DNR notification at the patient bedside per policy.
  • EMS Communication: Provide a copy or make EMS aware when transfer or discharge occurs.
  • Care Team Notice: Notify nursing and allied clinicians during shift handoff.

Digital submission and format considerations

Many facilities accept electronic copies, scanned signed PDFs, or entries in the electronic health record; format and authentication requirements vary by organization.

  • Accepted Formats: PDF or EHR entry preferred
  • Integrations: Works with major EHRs and cloud storage
  • Authentication: Audit trail and signer identity

Risks if a DNR order is incomplete or improperly executed

Unrecognized Order: Care refused
Unwanted Treatment: Resuscitation performed
Legal Disputes: Potential litigation
Transfer Delays: Care interruptions
Facility Noncompliance: Recordkeeping issues
Proxy Challenges: Authority questioned

Common mistakes when preparing a DNR order

  • Using vague language such as 'do not escalate care' without specifying CPR, intubation, or other interventions leads to confusion in emergency settings and inconsistent application by clinicians.
  • Failing to confirm patient capacity or to document the capacity assessment and informed discussion can invalidate a proxy-signed DNR and create legal uncertainty.
  • Not providing the signed order to EMS or outside facilities during transfer may result in the order not being honored during transport or at the receiving site.
  • Relying on an unsigned advance directive without a separate clinician-signed physician order risks nonrecognition by care teams and emergency responders.

Essential elements to include on a professional DNR order

A complete DNR order clearly identifies the patient, states precise treatment limitations, documents the clinician’s authorization, records the date, and includes contact details for follow-up and verification.

Patient ID

Include full legal name, date of birth, and facility medical record number to ensure the order attaches to the correct chart and is recognized across care settings.

Scope of Order

Specify whether the order applies only to CPR or also to intubation, defibrillation, and advanced cardiac life support; use unambiguous language accepted by the facility.

Clinician Authorization

Include the signing clinician’s printed name, professional designation, signature, and date to make the directive an actionable medical order under institutional policy.

Proxy Documentation

When a surrogate signs, attach the legal authority (durable power of attorney or court order) and document why the patient cannot sign personally.

Visibility

State how and where the order should be displayed (EHR flag, bedside notice, wristband) to ensure awareness by staff and first responders.

Review Plan

Note any planned review or expiration date and whether the order should be revisited when clinical status changes or at regular intervals.

Time-sensitive considerations when issuing or updating a DNR

Certain actions require prompt completion and distribution; timely documentation reduces the chance of conflicting orders or delayed recognition by responders.

Order Entry Timing:

Enter and sign the order immediately after the clinical discussion.

Facility Notice:

Apply bedside or EHR notices the same day the order is signed.

Transfer Protocols:

Provide copies to EMS and receiving facilities before transport.

Periodic Review:

Reassess the order when clinical status or patient wishes change.

Revocation:

Document revocation promptly and notify care teams immediately.

Practical tips to ensure DNR orders are effective

Follow institutional forms and state guidance, document conversations, and make the signed order readily accessible to all care providers and EMS.

Use Standard Forms
Whenever possible, use facility- or state-approved DNR or POLST/MOLST forms to ensure consistent wording and easier recognition across settings; nonstandard forms can create confusion.
Document Conversations
Record the informed consent conversation, including options discussed and reasons for the patient’s choice; this supports clinical and legal clarity if questions arise.
Distribute Copies
Place a copy in the EHR, provide one to the patient or proxy, and notify EMS or the receiving facility on transfer to ensure the order is accessible where care decisions are made.
Confirm Proxy Authority
If signed by a surrogate, attach or reference the durable power of attorney or other legal documentation that verifies decision-making authority.

Real-world examples of DNR order use

Two concise scenarios highlight how DNR orders are applied in clinical practice and how clear documentation affects care transitions and emergency response.

Hospital Palliative Care

A hospitalized patient with progressive metastatic disease discussed goals with the palliative team and chose no CPR.

  • Clinician documented a signed DNR in the EHR and noted comfort measures only.
  • The order prevented unwanted resuscitation attempts during a subsequent cardiac arrest and guided staff toward symptom control instead of aggressive interventions.

Home Health and EMS

An elderly homebound patient completed a state POLST with the primary physician and had a copy on the refrigerator.

  • Family provided EMS a paper copy during an emergency.
  • EMS recognized the form and honored the DNR during transport, avoiding invasive resuscitation contrary to the patient’s wishes.

eSignature vendor comparison for signing and distributing DNR orders

Compare common vendor starting prices and core capabilities relevant to secure signing, HIPAA compliance, and bulk distribution; signNow is listed first per platform comparison conventions.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about Do Not Resuscitate Orders

Answers to common practical and legal questions about DNR orders to help patients, proxies, and clinicians avoid errors and ensure the order is followed.


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