Official Indiana Do Not Resuscitate Order Template

What is a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) in Indiana?

A Do Not Resuscitate Order in Indiana is a legal form that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's breathing stops or if their heart stops beating. It is used by individuals who wish to avoid aggressive life-saving measures at the end of life.

Who can authorize a DNR in Indiana?

In Indiana, a DNR can be authorized by the patient themselves, a healthcare representative appointed by the patient, a guardian, or by a parent if the patient is a minor. The DNR must be discussed with and signed by a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant.

How can I obtain a DNR form in Indiana?

The Indiana Do Not Resuscitate Order form can usually be obtained from a healthcare provider, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or hospital. Additionally, it may be available online through the website of the Indiana State Department of Health or local health departments.

Is the Indiana DNR form valid in other states?

The validity of an Indiana DNR form in other states varies. While some states may honor an out-of-state DNR, others may not recognize it and have their own forms and procedures. It is advisable to check the specific laws and regulations of any state where you will be residing or traveling.

What should be done with the completed DNR form?

Once completed and signed, the DNR form should be kept in a prominent and accessible place where emergency responders can easily find it. Many people choose to keep it on their refrigerator or in their wallet or purse. It is also a good idea to inform family members, caregivers, and close friends of its location and provide them with copies.

Can a DNR order in Indiana be revoked?

Yes, a DNR order in Indiana can be revoked at any time by the patient or their authorized healthcare representative. Revocation can be done verbally or in writing, and it is important to notify all previously informed parties of the revocation and to destroy all copies of the old DNR form.

What happens if there is no DNR order in place during an emergency?

If there is no DNR order in place, medical personnel are required to attempt all possible life-saving measures in emergencies. This includes performing CPR and using other life-support measures until a DNR is presented or until it is medically appropriate to stop.

Does having a DNR mean I won't receive any medical treatment?

No, having a DNR order does not mean you will be denied medical treatment. It only means that CPR will not be performed if your heart stops beating or you stop breathing. You will still receive all other appropriate medical care and treatments for your condition.

Filling out a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a crucial step for many individuals in Indiana who want to make their wishes known regarding the extent of medical intervention they receive in an emergency. However, mistakes can often be made during this process, leading to confusion or the DNR order not being honored. Here are seven common mistakes people make:

1. Not consulting with a healthcare provider: The Indiana DNR order requires the signature of a physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant to be valid. Some individuals fill out the form without having a detailed conversation with their healthcare provider about what a DNR entails and whether it aligns with their health care wishes.
2. Incorrect or incomplete personal information: A common error is the failure to provide accurate and complete personal information. Details such as the full legal name, date of birth, and address are essential for identifying the individual the DNR order applies to.
3. Failing to update the form: People’s medical wishes may change over time, as might their health condition. However, many fail to update their DNR order to reflect these changes, leading to a document that doesn’t accurately represent their current wishes.
4. Omitting necessary signatures: A valid DNR order in Indiana must have the appropriate signatures, including that of the individual (or their representative) and the healthcare provider. Overlooking any signature can render the document invalid.
5. Not having witnesses or a notary public when required: While the Indiana DNR form itself might not require witnessing or notarization, individual circumstances or related legal documents might. Neglecting this step when necessary can lead to legal challenges.
6. Using outdated forms: The state may update the DNR order form to address new legal requirements or health care standards. Using an outdated form could invalidate the order, so it’s important to ensure the form is the most current version.
7. Lack of communication: Many people keep their DNR orders private and fail to communicate their wishes to family members or healthcare proxies, which can lead to confusion or disputes in an emergency situation.

Understanding and avoiding these mistakes can help ensure that a DNR order is valid and reflects the individual’s end-of-life wishes accurately. It’s also recommended that individuals discuss their health care wishes with family, healthcare proxies, and their healthcare provider to make sure their wishes are clear and can be honored.

In the state of Indiana, the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a critical document for individuals who wish to have their choices respected at the end of life. It ensures that no resuscitative measures will be taken should their heart or breathing stop. However, it is seldom the only document used in planning end-of-life care. Several other forms and documents often accompany the DNR order, each serving a specific purpose to ensure that a person's healthcare and legal wishes are clearly outlined and respected. Below is a list of up to 10 of these documents, which play a crucial role alongside a DNR order.

• Advance Directive: This is a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment, often including a Living Will and a Power of Attorney for Healthcare, to ensure those wishes are carried out should the person be unable to communicate them to a doctor.
• Living Will: A document that specifies what actions should be taken for a person's health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA): A legal document that grants an individual the power to make healthcare decisions on another's behalf if they are unable to do so.
• Out-of-Hospital DNR Order: Specific to scenarios outside of hospital settings, this document informs emergency personnel not to perform CPR or other resuscitative measures.
• POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): A medical order that outlines a plan of care, respecting the patient's wishes concerning life-sustaining treatment. This is often used in addition to a DNR order.
• HIPAA Release Form: Authorizes the release of a person's health information to designated individuals, facilitating communication between healthcare providers and family members or other caretakers.
Patient Advocate Designation: A form where an individual designates someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable, including decisions about accepting or refusing medical treatment.
• Funeral Planning Declaration: Allows individuals to specify their wishes for funeral arrangements and disposition of remains, easing the decision-making burden on loved ones.
• Will: Specifies how a person's property and assets are to be distributed after their death. It can also appoint a guardian for minor children.
• Trust Documents: Helps to manage a person's property by transferring it to a trust, to be distributed to the beneficiaries according to the terms of the trust.

Each document serves a unique and essential role in ensuring that a person's healthcare and personal wishes are clearly articulated and respected. Together with a DNR order, these documents can provide a comprehensive plan that addresses various scenarios, ensuring that individuals receive care that aligns with their values and preferences at the end of life. It is advisable for individuals to consult with healthcare professionals and legal advisors to fully understand these documents and ensure they are properly completed and stored.

The Indiana Do Not Resuscitate Order form is similar to other vital medical directive documents, each serving to guide healthcare professionals about a person's preferences in different scenarios. These documents share a common goal: ensuring an individual's healthcare wishes are respected, especially during critical times when they might not be able to communicate those wishes themselves.

Living Will: Similar to the Indiana Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, a Living Will outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatments in life-threatening situations where recovery is not expected. While a DNR specifically addresses the desire not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a heart stoppage or breathing cessation, a Living Will is broader, covering various life-sustaining treatments and interventions beyond CPR.

Medical Power of Attorney (POA): Also akin to the DNR Order, the Medical POA grants a surrogate the authority to make healthcare decisions on an individual's behalf when they are incapacitated. Though the DNR Order is specifically about resuscitation wishes, the Medical POA covers a wider scope of decisions, including the consent to or refusal of surgeries, medical treatments, and other healthcare services, in line with the patient's wishes.

POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): This document is closely related to the DNR Order but is more comprehensive. While both documents address emergency medical treatments, the POLST form can include a variety of orders, such as the use of antibiotics, intubation, and mechanical ventilation, in addition to CPR. Essentially, the POLST translates a person’s wishes into actionable medical orders applicable across a range of scenarios, not limited to resuscitation.

In understanding these documents, it's clear that the Indiana DNR Order is just one part of a broad spectrum of tools available to individuals wishing to have a say in their healthcare outcomes, particularly when they cannot speak for themselves.

Filling out a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in Indiana is a critical step for those wishing to make specific choices about their end-of-life care. This legally binding document helps to ensure that your wishes regarding resuscitation are honored in case of a serious medical emergency where you are unable to express your wishes. Here are essential dos and don'ts to keep in mind when completing this form:

Things You Should Do:

1. Read the instructions carefully to understand the form’s requirements and the implications of a DNR order.
2. Discuss your decision with your family, healthcare provider, and, if applicable, your spiritual advisor to make an informed choice.
3. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for filling out a DNR in Indiana. This typically involves being of legal age and having a qualifying condition as defined by state law.
4. Fill out the form accurately, providing all the requested information to prevent any misunderstandings or delays in emergency situations.
5. Sign and date the DNR order in the presence of the required witnesses, or have it signed by an authorized representative if you're unable to do so yourself.
6. Keep the original document in a location where it can be easily found by family members or emergency personnel. A common practice is to keep it on the refrigerator or in another prominent place.
7. Inform your primary care provider and any specialists about your DNR order, and provide them with copies so your medical records can reflect your wishes.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

1. Do not fill out the Indiana DNR form without fully understanding the implications of a Do Not Resuscitate order. If you have questions, seek clarification from a healthcare professional.
2. Do not leave parts of the form blank, as incomplete information can lead to confusion or misinterpretation in emergency situations.
3. Avoid using unclear or ambiguous language when detailing your wishes. Be as clear and specific as possible.
4. Do not forget to update your DNR order if your health situation or wishes change. This includes revising the order and notifying all relevant parties of the changes.
5. Do not fail to discuss your DNR order with close family members or others who may be involved in your care. It's crucial they understand your wishes and know the location of the document.
6. Avoid keeping your DNR order in a safe or another secure location where others cannot access it. In an emergency, time is of the essence, and your wishes may not be followed if the document cannot be found quickly.
7. Do not assume that your DNR will be automatically recognized in other states. Laws and forms vary by state, so if you travel or move, check the local requirements.

Completing a Do Not Resuscitate order is a vital step in managing your healthcare wishes. Being thorough, informed, and clear about your intentions will help ensure that your preferences are respected during critical moments.

When it comes to the Indiana Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, several misconceptions can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Understanding the truth behind these misunderstandings is essential for making informed decisions regarding end-of-life care and ensuring that one's wishes are respected. Here are four common misconceptions:

• Only the elderly or terminally ill can have a DNR order. People often believe that DNR orders are exclusively for the old or those suffering from terminal illnesses. However, any individual with strong feelings about not receiving CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in the event their heart stops or they stop breathing can discuss a DNR order with their physician, regardless of age or health status.
• A DNR order means no medical treatment will be provided. There's a misconception that a DNR order equates to refusing all medical treatments. This is not true. The DNR order specifically states that CPR should not be administered if the individual's breathing stops or if the heart stops beating. Other forms of medical care, including treatment for infections, pain management, and hydration, can still be provided according to the individual's wishes or as deemed appropriate by their healthcare team.
• Discussing a DNR order with your doctor is difficult and unnecessary if you're healthy. Many people think talking about a DNR order is a challenging conversation best avoided, especially if they are in good health. However, discussing end-of-life care preferences, including DNR orders, is a crucial part of healthcare planning. It ensures that your wishes are understood and respected, regardless of what the future holds.
• The presence of a DNR order cannot be changed once it's in place. Individuals often worry that a DNR order is a permanent decision that cannot be revisited or revised once it has been signed. In reality, a DNR order can be updated or revoked at any time to reflect changes in an individual's health condition or preferences. It is concluded through a conversation between the patient and their healthcare provider, ensuring that the patient's current wishes are always honored.

Filling out and utilizing the Indiana Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important process for those wishing to make their end-of-life care wishes known. The following key takeaways can help individuals understand how to effectively fill out and use the DNR form:

• Understand its Purpose: A DNR order instructs medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's breathing stops or if the heart stops beating.
• Consult with a Healthcare Provider: Before signing a DNR, it’s crucial to discuss its implications with a healthcare provider to fully understand how it affects emergency medical care.
• Eligibility: To sign a DNR order in Indiana, an individual must be at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and able to make their own healthcare decisions or have an authorized healthcare representative.
• Completion Requirements: The DNR form must be completed accurately, including necessary personal information and the signatures of the individual (or representative) and a witness.
• Physician’s Role: The attending physician must also sign the DNR form, indicating their agreement with the order and verifying the individual’s medical condition.
• Accessibility: Once completed, the DNR order should be easily accessible to healthcare providers, ideally kept in a visible location within the home or carried by the individual.
• Legality and Respect: Indiana law requires that all healthcare providers respect a valid DNR order, ensuring that the wishes of the individual are honored during critical moments.
• Revocation: An individual can revoke their DNR order at any time. This process should involve informing the healthcare provider and physically destroying the DNR form to prevent any confusion during emergency situations.

Having a Do Not Resuscitate order can provide individuals with peace of mind, knowing that their end-of-life medical care preferences are known and will be respected. It's an important decision that requires careful consideration and discussion with loved ones and healthcare professionals.