Attorney-Approved Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for Colorado

Instructions on How to Fill Out Colorado Do Not Resuscitate Order

In Colorado, individuals have the right to make decisions about the medical care they wish to receive in the event they are unable to speak for themselves. A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a legal document that indicates a person's wish to decline cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case their breathing stops or their heart stops beating. Filling out a DNR order is a serious decision and should be discussed with a healthcare provider to understand fully the implications it has on emergency medical treatment. The following steps are essential for completing a Colorado DNR Order form correctly.

1. Obtain the most current version of the Colorado DNR Order form from a healthcare provider or the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's website.
2. Read through the entire form carefully to ensure understanding of what the document entails and the consequences of signing it.
3. Complete the patient information section, providing full name, date of birth, and address.
4. If the patient is unable to sign the form due to physical incapacity, a legal guardian, healthcare agent, or proxy may do so on their behalf. Ensure the correct box is checked to indicate who is signing the form.
5. Discuss the decision with a healthcare provider. It is crucial for the provider to understand the patient's wishes and to ensure that the order aligns with the patient’s health status and goals of care.
6. Have the form signed by a licensed healthcare provider. Their signature confirms that they have discussed the DNR order with the patient or the patient's legal representative.
7. Date the form. The date the DNR order is signed is critical, as it informs healthcare providers of when the decision was made.
8. Keep the original DNR order in a readily accessible place. Copies should be given to the patient’s healthcare provider to be included in the medical record, as well as to any healthcare agents or legal representatives.
9. Inform family members or close friends of the DNR order. Communicating the existence of the DNR order and its location can ensure the patient's wishes are respected in an emergency.

After completing the DNR Order form, it is important to periodically review it, especially after any significant changes in health status or healthcare preferences. Amendments to the order can be made to ensure it continually reflects the individual's current wishes. Health care providers, family, and any designated agents or representatives should be informed of any amendments to the DNR order.

What is a Colorado Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order?

A Colorado Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a legal document in which a person indicates their wish not to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event their heart stops beating or they stop breathing. This document is used to instruct medical professionals and emergency responders to refrain from initiating lifesaving measures like chest compressions, artificial ventilation, or defibrillation.

Who can request a DNR Order in Colorado?

Any competent adult in Colorado can request a DNR Order. This includes individuals who, despite facing serious health conditions, wish to avoid aggressive life-saving measures. A healthcare proxy or legal guardian can also request a DNR on behalf of an individual who is not able to make decisions for themselves due to medical incapacity.

How can one obtain a DNR Order in Colorado?

To obtain a DNR Order in Colorado, an individual must consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the implications and ensure that it reflects their wishes regarding end-of-life care. The healthcare provider then needs to sign the DNR Order, which validates the request. It's crucial to keep the document accessible so that it can be promptly presented to medical personnel when needed.

Is a DNR Order revocable?

Yes, a DNR Order in Colorado is revocable at any time by the person who requested it, regardless of their mental state. The revocation can be done verbally or by destroying the DNR document. It's also possible to revoke it through the expression of a contrary wish, such as verbally requesting lifesaving treatment.

Where should a DNR Order be kept?

For a DNR Order to be effective, it should be kept in a place where it is easily accessible to emergency responders. Common places include on the refrigerator, in a wallet, or with other important medical documents. Informing family members, caregivers, and close friends about the location and existence of the DNR Order is also advised.

Do emergency medical services (EMS) have to follow a DNR Order?

In Colorado, EMS personnel are required to follow a valid DNR Order if it is presented to them, or they are made aware of its existence in an emergency situation. This adherence helps ensure that the patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care are respected, even in scenarios where immediate family members or proxies are not present to guide the responders.

What is the difference between a DNR and a living will?

A DNR Order is strictly limited to the refusal of CPR in the events of cardiac or respiratory arrest. In contrast, a living will is a more comprehensive document that outlines a person's wishes regarding various forms of life-sustaining treatment if they become terminally ill or are in a persistent vegetative state and cannot communicate their wishes. While a DNR focuses on immediate emergency response scenarios, a living will addresses broader issues of life support and medical treatment preferences in advance.

Can a DNR Order be included in a living will?

Yes, a DNR Order can be included within a living will in Colorado. Many individuals choose to integrate their DNR wishes into their living will to ensure that all their preferences concerning end-of-life care are consolidated in one document. However, it's essential to highlight the DNR Order clearly within the living will to ensure that emergency medical personnel can quickly recognize and adhere to the individual's wishes.

What happens if an individual changes their mind about their DNR Order?

If an individual decides to change their mind about their DNR Order, it is imperative to immediately communicate this decision to their healthcare provider so that the DNR can be revoked or amended as desired. Additionally, notifying family members, healthcare proxies, and anyone else who might be involved in their care is crucial to ensure that the individual's new wishes are understood and respected in an emergency.

Completing a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a crucial process for those in Colorado who wish to make their wishes known regarding the extent of medical interventions they desire in emergencies. However, errors can occur during this process, leading to potential misunderstandings or the patient's wishes not being honored. Below, we outline the most common mistakes made when filling out the Colorado DNR Order form.

1. Not including all necessary personal information. It's vital to ensure that every section of the form is completed with the correct details, including full name, date of birth, and address.

2. Having the form signed by someone other than the patient, without proper authority. Unless the patient is unable to do so, they should personally sign the document. If they are unable, a legal guardian or healthcare proxy should sign instead, in accordance with the law.

3. Failing to obtain the required witness signatures. The form needs to be witnessed correctly to be considered valid. Not having the right number of witnesses or not meeting the criteria for witnesses can invalidate the form.

4. Mistaking the DNR form for a broader advance directive. The DNR form specifically addresses the desire not to have CPR or other resuscitative measures taken. It does not cover other types of medical treatment decisions or end-of-life care preferences.

5. Not discussing the decision with family or healthcare providers. Communication is key. Without discussing your decision with family and healthcare providers, they may be unaware of your wishes or the existence of the DNR order.

6. Not keeping the form accessible. In an emergency, the form needs to be easily accessible to EMS staff. If it’s not readily available, lifesaving measures contrary to the patient's wishes may be taken.

7. Forgetting to renew the form. DNR orders might need to be renewed periodically. Being unaware of or forgetting this requirement can lead to an outdated form that might not be honored.

8. Inaccurate copying or illegibility. If copies of the form are made, they must be clear and legible. Poor quality copies can result in misunderstandings or the form being considered invalid.

9. Ignoring state-specific requirements. Each state has its own rules for DNR orders. Assuming that the form and its execution are the same in every state can lead to a non-compliant DNR order in Colorado.

Being mindful of these common mistakes and taking the time to accurately complete and manage the Colorado DNR Order form will help ensure that an individual's wishes regarding resuscitation are clearly articulated and respected.

In the context of planning for end-of-life care or emergency situations, the Colorado Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a crucial document that allows individuals to express their wishes regarding resuscitation. However, this form is often accompanied by several other important documents to ensure comprehensive care planning and legal compliance. Below is a list of up to eight forms and documents commonly used alongside the Colorado DNR Order form. Each document serves a unique purpose in safeguarding an individual's preferences and providing clear instructions to healthcare providers, family members, and legal representatives.

• Medical Power of Attorney (POA) - This document designates a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the person if they are unable to communicate their wishes directly.
• Advance Directive/Living Will - Similar to a DNR, an Advance Directive or Living Will outlines an individual's preferences regarding the types of medical treatment they wish to receive or refuse, particularly in regard to life-sustaining treatment.
• Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) - A POST form is a more detailed plan than a DNR, specifying the patient's preferences for end-of-life care, including resuscitation, hospitalization, antibiotics, and feeding measures.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Release Form - This form gives healthcare providers permission to share an individual’s health information with designated persons, allowing loved ones to be informed about the person's condition.
• Organ and Tissue Donation Form - Individuals can indicate their wish to donate organs and tissues upon death, providing consent through official registries or forms provided by healthcare establishments.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) DNR Order - Similar to a standard DNR, the EMS DNR is specifically designed for emergency medical responders, indicating that CPR and other resuscitative measures should not be performed in emergency situations outside of a hospital.
• Hospital Patient Registration Form - While not specific to end-of-life decisions, this form is crucial during hospital admissions, containing essential personal information, emergency contacts, and possibly a summary of the patient’s advance directives.
• Funeral Planning Documents - Though not a legal form per se, many individuals opt to document their preferences for funeral arrangements and the handling of their remains, which helps ease decision-making burdens on loved ones.

When used together, these documents provide a comprehensive framework for managing and communicating an individual's healthcare and end-of-life preferences. They form a critical part of estate planning, ensuring that wishes are respected and legally recognized, while also relieving family members of the burden of making difficult decisions during times of crisis.

The Colorado Do Not Resuscitate Order form is similar to a variety of other legal documents that instruct healthcare providers on a patient's preferences for medical care or interventions. These documents are pivotal in ensuring an individual's medical care preferences are respected, particularly in situations where they may not be able to communicate their wishes due to illness or incapacity.

• Living Wills: The Colorado Do Not Resuscitate Order form shares similarities with living wills. Both documents are designed to communicate a person’s desires regarding medical treatment if they become unable to convey their wishes themselves. While the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order specifically addresses the desire not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac or breathing emergency, a living will provides broader instructions on various life-sustaining treatments the individual either wants or does not want.

• Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST): Similar to a DNR, a MOST form outlines more comprehensive medical care preferences, including the use of antibiotics, tube feeding, and other life-sustaining treatments along with resuscitation wishes. It’s more detailed than a DNR and is particularly useful for individuals with severe or terminal illnesses. Both forms guide physicians and caretakers in emergency medical situations or during the progression of a patient’s illness.

• Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA): While the DNR explicitly instructs healthcare professionals not to perform CPR, a healthcare power of attorney designates a person to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual if they are unable. It complements a DNR by ensuring that the designated decision-maker is aware of the patient's wishes regarding resuscitation and can communicate them to healthcare providers if needed.

When completing the Colorado Do Not Resuscitate Order form, it is essential to understand the gravity of the document and to approach it with care and accuracy. Here is a compiled list of dos and don'ts to guide you through the process:

• Ensure that all information provided is accurate and legible. This includes the patient’s full name, date of birth, and any other required personal information.
• Consult with a healthcare provider to understand the implications of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order and ensure that it aligns with the patient’s wishes and health care goals.
• Have the form reviewed and signed by a licensed Colorado physician, as their authorization is necessary for the DNR order to be valid.
• Discuss the decision with family members or those who may be affected by it to ensure they understand the patient's wishes.
• Make multiple copies of the completed and signed form. Keep the original in a safe but accessible place, and provide copies to relevant parties, such as family members and healthcare providers.
• Review and update the form as needed, especially if the patient’s health condition changes or if they decide to alter their end-of-life care preferences.

• Fill out the form without thoroughly understanding the consequences of a DNR order. Take the time to consider the decision carefully.
• Leave any sections of the form blank. Incomplete forms may not be legally valid, leading to confusion or unintended outcomes during an emergency.
• Use pencil or any erasable ink. Complete the form in blue or black ink to ensure permanence and legibility.
• Forget to have the form witnessed, as required. Witnessing procedures vary, so understand and comply with Colorado law.
• Overlook the importance of discussing the DNR order with the patient's primary care provider, ensuring it is integrated into their medical records.
• Assume that the DNR order is permanently binding. Patients or their legal surrogates can revoke the order at any time if they change their mind.

When it comes to making decisions about end-of-life care, it's crucial to have accurate information. Specifically, regarding the Colorado Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, there are several misconceptions that need to be cleared up. Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals and their loved ones make informed decisions that align with their wishes.

• Misconception 1: A DNR order means no medical treatment will be given.

  This is not the case. The DNR order specifically applies to not initiating CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. It does not mean that other medical treatments, such as pain management or antibiotic therapy, will be withheld.

• Misconception 2: Only the elderly should consider a DNR order.

  DNR orders are not just for the elderly. They are considered by people of all ages with serious illnesses, terminal conditions, or specific wishes about end-of-life care.

• Misconception 3: A DNR order is permanent and cannot be changed.

  A DNR order can be revoked or altered at any time by the patient or their legal representative, ensuring that people have the flexibility to change their decisions as their situation or wishes evolve.

• Misconception 4: DNR orders are only for people in hospitals.

  DNR orders apply to individuals in various settings, including at home, in hospitals, and in other healthcare facilities. The goal is to respect the patient's wishes across different environments.

• Misconception 5: The doctor decides if a patient should have a DNR order.

  The decision to have a DNR order is ultimately up to the patient or, in cases where the patient is unable to make their wishes known, their designated healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare. While doctors provide information and advice, the decision rests with the patient or their representative.

• Misconception 6: Families can override a DNR order.

  Once a DNR order is in place, it legally has to be followed by healthcare professionals, regardless of the family's wishes, unless it is revoked by the patient or their legal proxy. This emphasizes the importance of clear communication and documentation of the patient’s wishes.

• Misconception 7: A DNR order means "do not treat."

  As mentioned before, the DNR order strictly limits the non-initiation of CPR. It does not mean that other forms of treatment, especially those aimed at providing comfort and alleviating pain, will be stopped.

• Misconception 8: If you have a DNR order, you cannot be admitted to the hospital.

  This is false. Patients with DNR orders can be admitted to the hospital for various treatments and care, as the DNR order only addresses the specific issue of CPR, not other medical interventions.

• Misconception 9: DNR orders are universally recognized.

  While many states have similar protocols, the specifics and forms of DNR orders can vary from state to state. It's important for individuals and their families to understand the specifics of their state's regulations and ensure that their documentation meets those guidelines.

By dispelling these misconceptions, individuals can better understand how a DNR order functions and make choices that reflect their values and wishes regarding their healthcare and end-of-life treatment. Discussing these options openly with healthcare providers, legal representatives, and loved ones is an essential step in creating a care plan that respects the individual's autonomy and desires.

The Colorado Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a crucial document for those who wish to express their wishes regarding the extent of medical care they want to receive in an emergency. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind when filling out and using this form:

• Individuals must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor to fill out a Colorado DNR Order.
• The form must be completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider to be valid. This includes physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants.
• It's recommended to discuss your wishes with a healthcare provider before finalizing a DNR Order. This ensures that your healthcare provider understands your preferences regarding emergency medical treatment.
• Two witnesses or a notary public must also sign the DNR form, making the document legally binding.
• The Colorado DNR Order is only applicable within the state of Colorado. If you travel or move to another state, check the local laws and regulations regarding DNR orders.
• Once signed, the DNR Order should be kept in a easily accessible location. Emergency responders need to see the document to honor its instructions.
• In the event that you wish to revoke or change your DNR Order, you must communicate this to your healthcare provider. A new form will be required to reflect any changes.
• Digital copies of the DNR Order can be kept, but it's essential to have a physical copy readily available in case of an emergency.
• The Colorado DNR Order does not expire. It remains in effect until it's revoked or changed by the individual it pertains to.

Understanding these key aspects can help ensure that your healthcare wishes are respected in critical situations. It's always a good idea to seek professional advice and discuss these matters with family or trusted individuals to ensure your choices are clear and can be carried out as intended.