What's the Difference between a Living Will and a DNR Order?
A living will and a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) are often confused, but they represent distinctly different legal documents addressing end-of-life medical decisions. Both serve important roles in healthcare planning, yet operate in different contexts and ways.
What is a Living Will?
A living will is a written statement that communicates a person’s preferences regarding life-sustaining medical treatment if they face a terminal illness, are near death, or exist in a persistent vegetative state. This document allows individuals to specify their wishes about interventions such as artificial respiration and feeding tubes.
The primary purpose of a living will is to communicate end-of-life preferences to both family members and healthcare providers. Estate planning attorneys typically prepare these documents as part of comprehensive estate planning. Proper legal creation ensures the document’s validity and allows medical professionals to honor the stated instructions.
When a patient is admitted to a hospital, their living will is placed in their medical chart. Depending on state law, a specified number of physicians must agree the patient meets certain conditions – such as being in a persistent vegetative state – before the living will’s terms take effect.
What is a DNR?
A DNR is a medical directive specifically addressing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This document communicates that a person does not wish to be resuscitated if they experience respiratory or cardiac arrest.
A DNR requires signatures from both the patient and their treating physician. The document is typically printed on brightly colored paper to ensure quick visibility during emergencies.
Placement and Accessibility
Proper placement is critical. A DNR must be immediately accessible:
- In nursing homes, it should be placed at the head or foot of the bed
- At home, it’s typically posted on the refrigerator
A critical mistake: Keeping the DNR with someone else rather than at the patient’s location can have serious consequences. If emergency medical responders cannot locate the DNR, they are legally obligated to provide CPR and resuscitation efforts regardless of the patient’s wishes.
Emergency Response
When a valid DNR is present and accessible, emergency responders will not initiate CPR if they discover the patient in cardiopulmonary or respiratory arrest. Instead, they may provide comfort-focused care, including oxygen and pain management.
Key Takeaway
Both documents serve essential purposes in end-of-life planning. Beyond creating these documents with an estate plan, ensure family members know their locations. This knowledge prevents emergency complications and helps guarantee your wishes are respected.
If you need assistance with a living will, DNR, or other advance directives, contact The Stegall Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
