Fillable Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for the State of Texas

1. What is a Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR)?

   A Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that allows a person to refuse cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other life-sustaining treatments in the event of cardiac arrest. This order is meant for individuals who have a terminal condition or a serious illness and wish to avoid aggressive medical interventions that may not align with their personal values or wishes.

2. Who can request a DNR in Texas?

   In Texas, a DNR can be requested by a competent adult or a legally authorized representative of a minor or incapacitated person. This includes parents or guardians for minors and designated agents for individuals who have appointed someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf.

3. How is a DNR order completed?

   To complete a DNR order in Texas, the individual must fill out the official Texas DNR form. This form requires the signature of the person requesting the DNR, as well as the signature of a physician who agrees with the decision. It is important to ensure that the form is filled out accurately and is readily available to healthcare providers in case of an emergency.

4. Where should I keep my DNR order?

   The DNR order should be kept in a place that is easily accessible, such as on the refrigerator or in a medical alert system. It is also advisable to provide copies to family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers to ensure that everyone is aware of the individual’s wishes regarding resuscitation.

5. Can a DNR order be revoked?

   Yes, a DNR order can be revoked at any time. The individual or their authorized representative can verbally communicate the revocation to healthcare providers or complete a new form indicating the change. It is essential to inform all relevant parties of the revocation to prevent any confusion during a medical emergency.

6. What if I change my mind about my DNR order?

   If you change your mind about your DNR order, you can revoke it as mentioned earlier. It is important to communicate this change clearly to your healthcare providers and ensure that they have the most current information regarding your wishes.

7. Will a DNR order affect other medical treatments?

   A DNR order specifically addresses resuscitation efforts and does not impact other medical treatments. Patients can still receive necessary medical care, such as medications, pain management, and comfort measures, even if they have a DNR order in place.

8. How can I find more information about DNR orders in Texas?

   For more information about DNR orders in Texas, individuals can visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website or consult with a healthcare provider. Additionally, local hospitals and hospice organizations may provide resources and guidance on completing and understanding DNR orders.

Detailed Guide for Using Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order

Filling out the Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order form is an important step in expressing your healthcare preferences. After completing the form, it will need to be signed and dated to ensure it is valid. Make sure to keep a copy for your records and share it with your healthcare provider and family members.

1. Obtain the Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order form. You can find it online or request a copy from your healthcare provider.
2. Begin by filling in your personal information at the top of the form. This includes your full name, date of birth, and address.
3. Next, indicate whether you are an adult or a minor. If you are completing the form for a minor, ensure that a parent or legal guardian signs it.
4. In the designated section, clearly state your wishes regarding resuscitation. You may choose to indicate your desire for or against resuscitation efforts.
5. Provide the name of your attending physician. This is the doctor who is primarily responsible for your care.
6. Sign and date the form at the bottom. Ensure that your signature is clear and legible.
7. If applicable, have a witness sign the form. This is often required to validate your wishes.
8. Make copies of the completed form for your records. It’s important to keep one for yourself and share copies with your healthcare provider and family members.

A Texas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is an important document for individuals who wish to express their preferences regarding resuscitation efforts in the event of a medical emergency. However, several other forms and documents often accompany a DNR to ensure comprehensive healthcare planning and communication of wishes. Here is a list of these documents:

• Advance Directive: This document outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes. It typically includes instructions for life-sustaining treatment and appoints a healthcare proxy.
• Medical Power of Attorney: This form designates an individual to make healthcare decisions on behalf of someone else if they become incapacitated. It ensures that a trusted person can advocate for the patient’s wishes.
• Living Will: A living will specifies what types of medical treatment an individual does or does not want in the event of a terminal illness or irreversible condition. It provides clear guidance to healthcare providers.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): This medical order translates a patient's treatment preferences into actionable orders for healthcare providers. It is especially useful for those with serious illnesses.
• Healthcare Proxy: This document appoints someone to make medical decisions on behalf of another person when they are unable to do so. It is similar to a medical power of attorney but often focuses specifically on healthcare decisions.
• Organ Donation Form: This form indicates an individual’s wishes regarding organ donation after death. It can be included with other advance care planning documents to clarify intentions.
• Do Not Intubate (DNI) Order: A DNI order specifies that a patient should not be intubated in the event of respiratory failure. It complements a DNR order by addressing specific interventions.
• Patient's Rights Document: This document outlines the rights of patients in healthcare settings, ensuring they are informed about their care and have a say in treatment decisions.

Having these documents in place alongside a Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order can help ensure that an individual's healthcare wishes are respected and communicated clearly. It is essential to review and update these documents regularly to reflect any changes in preferences or health status.

The Texas Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) form shares similarities with the Advance Directive. An Advance Directive is a legal document that allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate their wishes. Both documents ensure that a person’s healthcare choices are respected, particularly in critical situations. While the DNR specifically addresses resuscitation efforts, the Advance Directive covers a broader range of medical decisions, including life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care.

Another document comparable to the DNR is the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST). The POLST form is designed for patients with serious illnesses and provides specific medical orders regarding treatment preferences. Like the DNR, it is a medical order signed by a physician and is intended to be followed by healthcare providers. Both documents aim to communicate a patient's wishes clearly, ensuring that they receive the type of care they desire in emergencies.

The Living Will is also similar to the DNR form. A Living Will allows individuals to express their wishes about medical treatment in situations where they cannot speak for themselves. It typically includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care. While the DNR focuses specifically on resuscitation efforts, a Living Will encompasses a wider range of medical decisions, making both documents essential for guiding healthcare providers in accordance with a patient’s values and preferences.

The Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) is another important document that relates to the DNR. This document designates a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on behalf of a person who is unable to do so. While the DNR provides specific instructions about resuscitation, the HCPOA empowers a chosen agent to interpret and apply the individual’s wishes in various medical situations. Both documents work together to ensure that a person's healthcare preferences are honored.

Similar to the DNR, the Comfort Care Order emphasizes the importance of palliative care. This document focuses on providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms rather than curative treatments. It aligns with the philosophy of honoring a patient’s wishes for comfort and dignity, particularly at the end of life. Both the Comfort Care Order and the DNR prioritize the patient’s comfort and quality of life over aggressive medical interventions.

The Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) form also resembles the DNR. The MOST form is used to communicate a patient’s preferences regarding medical treatment in emergency situations. Like the DNR, it is a medical order that must be followed by healthcare providers. Both documents aim to ensure that a patient’s wishes are respected, particularly when they are unable to communicate their preferences during a medical crisis.

The Do Not Intubate (DNI) order is another document similar to the DNR. A DNI order specifically instructs healthcare providers not to insert a breathing tube if a patient is unable to breathe on their own. While the DNR focuses on resuscitation efforts, the DNI directly addresses the use of mechanical ventilation. Both documents reflect a patient’s desire to limit invasive interventions in critical situations.

Lastly, the End-of-Life Care Plan shares similarities with the DNR form. This plan outlines a patient’s preferences for care during the final stages of life, including pain management and other supportive measures. While the DNR specifically addresses resuscitation, the End-of-Life Care Plan encompasses a broader range of considerations, ensuring that patients receive compassionate care that aligns with their values and wishes. Both documents are vital in guiding healthcare providers in delivering appropriate and respectful care during critical moments.