Homepage Attorney-Approved Do Not Resuscitate Order Document Free Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for the State of Florida

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Definition The Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form allows individuals to refuse resuscitation in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
Governing Law The DNRO is governed by Florida Statutes, specifically Chapter 401.45.
Eligibility Any adult can complete a DNRO, and it must be signed by a physician.
Signature Requirement The form must be signed by the patient or their legal representative, along with a physician's signature.
Form Availability The DNRO form is available through the Florida Department of Health and various healthcare providers.
Revocation A DNRO can be revoked at any time by the patient or their legal representative, verbally or in writing.
Effectiveness The DNRO is effective statewide and must be honored by all healthcare providers in Florida.
Additional Considerations Patients should discuss their wishes with family members and healthcare providers to ensure understanding and compliance.

Sample - Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order Form

Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order

This form is a legal document that communicates your wishes regarding resuscitation efforts if you experience a medical emergency. It complies with Florida state law, specifically Chapter 401.45 of the Florida Statutes.

Please complete the following information:

  • Patient's Name: _______________________
  • Patient's Date of Birth: _______________________
  • Patient's Address: _______________________
  • City: _______________________
  • State: FL
  • ZIP Code: _______________________
  • Patient's Social Security Number: _______________________
  • Designated Health Care Surrogate (if applicable): _______________________
  • Contact Number: _______________________

I, the undersigned, appoint the following statement as my Do Not Resuscitate Order:

Order: If I should suffer a cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, do not attempt resuscitation. This includes but is not limited to CPR, intubation, and advanced cardiac life support.

This decision has been made after discussions with my healthcare providers, my surrogate, and my loved ones.

Please sign and date below:

  • Patient's Signature: _______________________
  • Date: _______________________

If applicable, signatures from witnesses or a notary public are encouraged but not required. This may strengthen the validity of the document.

Witness Signature (if applicable): _______________________

Date: _______________________

Witness Signature (if applicable): _______________________

Date: _______________________

Ensure that copies of this order are provided to your healthcare providers and kept in your medical records.

Common mistakes

Filling out a Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) form can be a daunting task, especially when emotions run high. Many individuals make mistakes that could lead to confusion or unintended consequences. Here are eight common errors to avoid.

One of the most frequent mistakes is not having the form signed by a physician. The DNRO must be signed by a licensed physician to be valid. Without this signature, healthcare providers may not honor the order, which can lead to unwanted resuscitation efforts.

Another common error is failing to clearly indicate the patient's wishes. The form must explicitly state that the patient does not want resuscitation. Ambiguities can create confusion for medical personnel, potentially resulting in actions contrary to the patient’s intent.

People often overlook the importance of updating the DNRO. Life circumstances change, and so do medical preferences. If a patient’s health status or wishes change, it’s crucial to revise the form accordingly. An outdated DNRO may not reflect the patient’s current desires.

Additionally, some individuals neglect to discuss their wishes with family members. Open conversations can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that loved ones are aware of the patient’s decisions. Without this dialogue, family members might be caught off guard in a medical crisis.

Another mistake involves not providing copies of the DNRO to all relevant parties. It’s essential to share the form with healthcare providers, family members, and anyone else involved in the patient’s care. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and can act according to the patient’s wishes.

Sometimes, people fill out the form without fully understanding its implications. The DNRO is a serious document that can affect end-of-life care. It’s important to consider the emotional and medical consequences before making a decision.

Moreover, some individuals forget to check the specific requirements of the DNRO in Florida. Each state has its own rules regarding these orders, and it’s crucial to follow Florida’s guidelines to ensure the form is legally binding.

Finally, failing to keep the DNRO in a readily accessible location can be a significant oversight. In an emergency, time is of the essence. Keeping the form in an easily accessible place can help ensure that healthcare providers can quickly find and honor the patient’s wishes.