Valid Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for the State of Michigan

1. Not reading the entire form thoroughly. Understanding every section is crucial for making informed choices.

2. Forgetting to provide clear identification. Make sure to include full name, date of birth, and any relevant medical record numbers.

3. Failing to consult with a healthcare provider. Discussing your decision with a medical professional can ensure it aligns with your health goals.

4. Omitting necessary signatures. The form must be signed by you, and it may also require a witness or a medical professional's signature.

5. Not keeping a copy of the completed form. Having duplicates can help in ensuring that it is available to healthcare providers when needed.

6. Leaving out any specified instructions. If there are particular wishes you have, be sure to include them clearly.

7. Ignoring updates and revisions. It’s important to review and update the form if your wishes or circumstances change.

The Michigan Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form allows individuals to express their wishes regarding resuscitative measures in the event of a medical emergency. Alongside this form, there are several other documents that play a vital role in ensuring healthcare preferences are respected. These forms help to clarify individual choices around medical treatment and end-of-life care.

• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document appoints a trusted individual to make medical decisions on behalf of someone if they become unable to do so. It ensures that a person’s healthcare preferences are honored by someone they trust.
• Living Will: A living will outlines specific medical treatments a person does or does not want in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes, such as terminal illness or unconsciousness. It serves to guide healthcare providers and family members.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): The POLST is used to communicate a patient’s preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments across different healthcare settings. It's more detailed than a DNR, addressing various options in critical situations.
• Advance Directive: This is a general term that encompasses both living wills and durable power of attorney for healthcare. It provides a clear plan for medical care preferences and decision-making authority during serious health conditions.
• Patient Advocate Designation: This is similar to a durable power of attorney but specifically focuses on designating an advocate who can make healthcare decisions consistent with the patient’s wishes when they can’t voice them.
• Post-Mortem Autopsy Consent Form: This document allows the family or legal representative to give permission for an autopsy after a person’s death. Such procedures may be needed for legal, medical, or investigative reasons.
• Medication Management Plan: This document outlines a patient’s medication regime, detailing prescribed medications, dosages, and administration routes. It plays an essential role in coordinating care and preventing medication errors.

Understanding these forms can empower individuals to take control of their medical care decisions. By having everything in place, they can ensure their preferences are recognized and respected, easing the burden on loved ones during challenging times.

The Michigan Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form shares similarities with an Advance Directive. Both documents allow individuals to express their wishes regarding medical treatment in advance, particularly in situations where they may be unable to communicate those wishes themselves. An Advance Directive generally includes a broader scope of decisions, such as appointing a healthcare proxy and outlining preferences for various types of treatment. This form of directive empowers individuals to retain control over their healthcare decisions, ensuring that their preferences align with their values, even in critical circumstances.

A living will is another document akin to the Michigan DNR Order. It specifically details what types of medical treatment an individual wishes to receive or refuse in the event of a terminal illness or irreversible condition. Like the DNR, a living will serves as a guide for healthcare providers, specifying preferences regarding interventions that could prolong life. Both documents aim to minimize confusion and ensure that individuals' choices are respected, laying out clear instructions for end-of-life care.

The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is also comparable to the Michigan DNR. POLST provides detailed orders regarding a patient’s preferences for life-sustaining treatments based on their current medical condition. Unlike the broader scope of an Advance Directive or living will, POLST captures immediate medical wishes and is signed by a healthcare provider. This ensures that the preferences specified are readily actionable in emergency situations, providing clarity for first responders and healthcare teams.

When filling out the Michigan Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, there are important guidelines to consider. This ensures that your wishes are clearly understood and respected by medical professionals. Here’s a helpful list of dos and don’ts to guide you through the process.

• Do discuss your wishes with family and healthcare providers before completing the form.
• Do ensure you understand the implications of a DNR order.
• Do fill out the form completely and accurately, providing all required information.
• Do sign and date the form in the presence of a witness if required.
• Do keep a copy of the signed DNR form for your records and share it with your healthcare providers.

• Don't assume that verbal communication is enough; always use the official form.
• Don't leave any spaces blank on the form, as it can leave room for confusion.
• Don't hesitate to ask for help if you have questions about the form or the process.
• Don't forget to review your DNR order regularly, especially if your health situation changes.
• Don't ignore the importance of notifying emergency services about your DNR order; make it visible.

Understanding the Michigan Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is crucial for ensuring that individuals’ choices regarding medical care are respected. However, several misconceptions persist. Here are eight common misunderstandings about the DNR Order in Michigan:

1. A DNR means no medical care at all. Many believe that having a DNR in place indicates a refusal of all medical interventions. In reality, a DNR specifically relates only to resuscitation efforts, not to other types of medical care.
2. The DNR order is only for the elderly. This is a common myth. Anyone with a serious health condition, regardless of age, can choose to have a DNR in place if it aligns with their health care wishes.
3. A DNR must be signed by a doctor. While a physician’s signature is required for a DNR to be valid, the decision to have a DNR order stems from the patient's wishes or those of their legal surrogate.
4. A DNR can be ignored by medical personnel. A valid DNR order is a legal document that healthcare providers are obligated to follow. Ignoring it can lead to legal consequences for medical professionals.
5. People with a DNR cannot receive pain medication or comfort care. A DNR does not prevent patients from receiving necessary comfort measures, including pain relief and other palliative care.
6. DNR orders are permanent and cannot be changed. DNR orders can be revised or revoked at any time as long as the individual or their surrogate communicates that change to medical personnel.
7. Having a DNR means I will die alone. Many believe that a DNR implies a lack of support. However, patients with a DNR are still entitled to receive compassionate care and support from their healthcare team during their final moments.
8. A DNR is the same as a living will. While both documents convey healthcare preferences, a DNR specifically addresses resuscitation efforts, whereas a living will covers a broader range of medical scenarios.

Clear communication with healthcare teams and loved ones is essential for ensuring that wishes regarding a DNR are fully understood and respected.

Filling out a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form in Michigan is an important process for individuals who wish to state their preferences for medical treatment during emergencies. Here are key takeaways to consider:

• The DNR Order indicates that in the event of a cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, resuscitation efforts should not be initiated.
• It is essential that the form be completed accurately and signed by the patient, a legally authorized representative, or two witnesses.
• A DNR Order must be printed and kept in a visible place, such as on the refrigerator or as part of a medical record, so that emergency responders can easily find it.
• This form remains in effect until the patient revokes it, a doctor decides to invalidate it, or the patient passes away.
• Communicating your wishes with family members and healthcare providers is critical to ensure everyone understands the DNR intentions.
• The DNR order is valid across the state of Michigan, but it must be recognized by healthcare professionals for it to have legal weight.
• Patients should consult with their healthcare providers before completing the form to fully understand the implications and consequences of a DNR Order.
• Emergency responders are trained to respect DNR Orders, but having additional documentation, such as a personal identification card, can help ensure that your wishes are honored.