A do not resuscitate (DNR) order is a request not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. Unless given other instructions, hospital staff will try to help all patients whose heart has stopped or who have stopped breathing. A DNR order is put in your medical chart by your doctor. DNR orders are accepted by doctors and hospitals in all states.
This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.
Arkansas Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) or Advance Directive is a legal document that allows individuals to express their end-of-life healthcare preferences. This document outlines the medical interventions individuals wish to receive or avoid in case they become unable to communicate their desires themselves. A DNR order, commonly known as I Do Not Resuscitate order, is a specific type of advance directive in Arkansas. It instructs healthcare professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the individual's heart stops or if they experience cessation of breathing. This decision is typically made when individuals have a terminal condition or are in the late stages of a chronic illness when attempted resuscitation may be deemed futile or contrary to their wishes. Arkansas offers two main types of DNR orders catering to different situations and preferences: 1. Prehospital DNR: This type of DNR order can be issued by individuals who do not wish to receive CPR outside the hospital setting. It allows emergency medical service providers, such as paramedics or ambulance personnel, to honor the DNR instructions if they respond to a medical emergency. The Prehospital DNR form must be signed by the individual or their authorized representative, and a copy should be readily available at home or carried with them. 2. In-Hospital DNR: As the name suggests, this DNR order is specific to hospital settings. It indicates the individual's preference to refuse resuscitation efforts within a healthcare facility. Unlike the Prehospital DNR, the In-Hospital DNR is issued by a physician and becomes part of the individual's medical record once signed. This order applies only during hospitalization and does not extend to emergency medical service providers outside the hospital. Both types of DNR orders in Arkansas require individuals to have a legitimate medical condition, which must be noted in the document, and should be signed by the individual or their authorized representative. It is crucial to communicate and discuss these decisions with healthcare providers, family, and loved ones to ensure everyone involved is aware of the individual's preferences. Having an Arkansas DNR or Advance Directive in place empowers individuals to have control over their medical treatment decisions when they are unable to communicate or make choices for themselves. It alleviates the burden on family members and healthcare providers by clearly outlining the individual's wishes and promotes a peaceful and respectful end-of-life process.
