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.
A New Jersey Do Not Resuscitate Order, also known as a DNR or Advance Directive, is a legal document that allows an individual to express their wishes regarding medical treatment in the event of a life-threatening situation. This comprehensive directive ensures that healthcare providers understand and respect the individual's desire to withhold certain medical interventions, specifically cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The primary objective of a New Jersey DNR Order is to honor the patient's autonomy by allowing them to decline resuscitation attempts by medical professionals if their heart were to stop or if they were to stop breathing. It serves as a safeguard to ensure that medical interventions align with the patient's preferences and quality of life goals. In New Jersey, there are two types of DNR Orders or Advance Directives: 1. Non-Hospital DNR Order: This type of directive is typically completed by individuals who reside in long-term care facilities or who receive care from home health agencies. It specifies that if the patient's breathing or heart stops, attempts to resuscitate them should be avoided. This order must be signed by both the patient (or their legal representative) and their attending physician. 2. Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POST): POST is a medical document that provides clear instructions regarding the types of medical treatments a patient wishes to receive or decline in different medical situations. It encompasses various treatment options, not limited to Do Not Resuscitate orders. POST forms are usually completed by the patient in consultation with their physician or healthcare practitioner. It is designed to be portable and accompanies the patient across different healthcare settings to ensure consistent care. Both types of DNR Orders or Advance Directives are legally binding in New Jersey, ensuring that healthcare providers honor the patient's decisions and deliver appropriate care within the boundaries set by the document. It is crucial for individuals considering a New Jersey DNR Order or Advance Directive to discuss their wishes and values openly with their physicians, healthcare teams, and loved ones. These conversations can guide the completion of the directive and ensure that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the patient's goals for end-of-life care. By having a New Jersey DNR Order or Advance Directive in place, individuals can maintain autonomy and peace of mind, knowing that their medical treatment aligns with their personal beliefs even when they are unable to articulate their preferences directly.
