Patient identity
Full name, date of birth, and a unique institutional identifier (MRN or chart number) to ensure correct patient matching in acute settings.
A DNR clarifies a patient’s preferences about resuscitation, reduces unwanted invasive interventions, and supports care aligned with the patient’s goals and medical condition.
Typical participants in creating and using a DNR include patients, attending physicians, authorized clinicians, and surrogate decision-makers when the patient lacks capacity.
Clear roles and correct signatures help ensure the order is followed by EMS, hospital teams, and long-term care providers.
Full name, date of birth, and a unique institutional identifier (MRN or chart number) to ensure correct patient matching in acute settings.
A concise order statement such as 'Do Not Resuscitate — No CPR or advanced cardiac life support' with the clinical context noted.
Signature lines for the attending physician, patient or surrogate, and corresponding dates to establish validity and timing of the order.
If the patient lacks capacity, document surrogate name, relationship, and legal authority to consent under state law.
Indicate how the order should be displayed or carried (chart location, wearable ID, or transport documents) to aid EMS and facility staff.
Space or fields for amendments, rescissions, and dates so clinicians can track changes to the patient’s resuscitation preferences.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Patient ID | Required, autofill from EHR |
| Physician signature | Require certified signer, include timestamp |
| Patient consent | Optional or required per capacity check |
| Audit log | Store IP, time, and signer authentication |
Electronic completion of a DNR is acceptable when the platform complies with federal e-signature law and local facility policy.
Use an e‑sign platform that supports ESIGN/UETA compliance, audit trails, and HIPAA safeguards; integrate with EHRs and document repositories when possible.
Date of physician signature; use MM/DD/YYYY
Place order in chart before discharge or transport
Provide copy at time of signing or before discharge
Within 24–72 hours recommended
Submit when a regional registry exists
Clinician and patient/surrogate discuss goals and prognosis.
Clinician records the DNR as an official medical order.
Patient or surrogate and physician sign, dated on form.
Order placed in chart, patient copy provided, EMS notified if applicable.
| 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 | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium+) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |