Navigating end-of-life decisions can be incredibly challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the distinctions between a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) Order and an Advance Directive.
What is a DNR?
Emergency medical service professionals are required to administer life-sustaining treatments like CPR to patients. However, a do-not resuscitate order says that if your hearts stop beating, or if you stop breathing, a health care provider may not use any medical procedure to restore breathing or heart functions.
What is an advance directive?
An advance directive is often called a “living will” because you state you may want life-sustaining treatment in certain scenarios.
Your advance directive is where you can specify your wishes if you were incapacitated. These wishes include naming a health care proxy to make decisions for you if you become incapacitated, organ donations, or any other specific wishes you may have regarding these difficult decisions.
What is the difference between a DNR and Advance Directive?
- DNR orders instruct healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the heart stops beating or if they stop breathing while an advance directive is a legal document that outlines a person’s preferences for medical treatment and care in the event they become incapacitated.
- DNR orders specifically address resuscitations efforts in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest while an advance directive covers a broader range of medical treatments and care decisions including life-sustaining treatments like mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition, and hydration.
- DNR orders are relatively specific to the decision on whether to attempt resuscitation in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest while an advance directive can be more comprehensive, allowing individuals to specify their preferences for various medical interventions and end-of-life care options beyond resuscitation.
In summary, an advance directive allows you to specify a broader range of medical treatments and care you wish for your end-of-life decisions. If you wish to avoid resuscitation efforts, you will need to create a DNR. These decisions are challenging, and Skillern Law Firm may offer the guidance you are looking for as you make these decisions. Set up an appointment today to discuss your options.