Homepage Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for Tennessee State
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When individuals in Tennessee face serious health conditions, they are presented with decisions that span the breadth of medical interventions, including the choice not to pursue certain life-extending measures. Central to navigating these profound choices is the Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, an essential document for those who wish to forgo resuscitative efforts in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. This form represents not only a legal document but also a deeply personal declaration, reflecting an individual's preferences for end-of-life care. It's crucial for patients, families, and healthcare providers alike to understand the significance of the DNR Order, how it operates within Tennessee's legal framework, the process for its execution, and its implications for medical treatment. Bridging the gap between patient autonomy and clinical practice, the Tennessee DNR Order plays a pivotal role in ensuring that medical care aligns with the patient's wishes, marking an important step in the journey towards dignified and respectful end-of-life planning.

Example - Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate Order Form

Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate Order Template

This Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order Template is created in accordance with the provisions of the Tennessee Department of Health and is specifically designed to communicate the wishes of individuals who, due to medical conditions, prefer not to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest. This document should be discussed with and authorized by a licensed healthcare provider and kept in a place where it can be easily found in case of an emergency.

Patient Information:

  • Full Name: _______________________________________________
  • Date of Birth: ____________________________________________
  • Patient Address: __________________________________________
  • Primary Phone Number: _____________________________________
  • Alternative Phone Number (Optional): ________________________

Medical Provider Information:

  • Physician's Name: __________________________________________
  • Medical Facility: __________________________________________
  • Physician's Phone Number: _________________________________
  • Physician's Signature: _____________________________________
  • Date: _____________________________________________________

Healthcare Agent or Legal Representative (if applicable):

  • Name: ______________________________________________________
  • Relationship to Patient: ___________________________________
  • Phone Number: _____________________________________________
  • Signature (if applicable): __________________________________
  • Date: _____________________________________________________

This order acknowledges that the patient has been fully informed of their condition, the nature and purpose of a Do Not Resuscitate Order, and the consequences of such an order. By signing this document, both the patient (or their legally authorized representative) and the physician affirm that the patient has chosen not to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event their heart and/or breathing stops.

Patient or Legally Authorized Representative’s Acknowledgment:

  1. I understand that this order will direct emergency medical personnel and healthcare providers to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
  2. I have discussed my condition and treatment options with my physician, who has answered all my questions regarding this DNR Order.
  3. I understand that this decision does not affect the provision of other emergency care, including oxygen, pain relief, and comfort care.
  4. I am aware that this order can be revoked at any time by myself or my legally authorized representative by physically destroying the document or by informing my physician or healthcare providers orally or in writing.

________________________________________ ________________________________
Patient’s or Legally Authorized Representative’s Signature
Date

Notice: Keep this original DNR Order in a visible and accessible location. A copy of this order should be presented to healthcare providers to be included in the patient's medical records.

File Characteristics

Fact Number Description
1 The Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is designed for patients who do not wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event that their breathing stops or their heart ceases to beat.
2 This form must be signed by both the patient (or their legally authorized representative) and the patient's physician to be considered valid under Tennessee law.
3 It is governed by the Tennessee Department of Health and falls under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-11-224.
4 The form is applicable across various settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and in the home environment, ensuring that the patient's wishes are respected in multiple care contexts.
5 A valid DNR order must be clearly communicated and readily available to healthcare providers to ensure it is followed.
6 The DNR order can be revoked by the patient or their authorized representative at any time, restoring the full range of emergency interventions including CPR.
7 If a patient is transferred from one healthcare facility to another, the transferring facility is responsible for communicating the existence of a DNR order to the receiving facility.
8 A DNR order does not address other forms of medical intervention beyond CPR, such as artificial nutrition, hydration, or other life-sustaining treatments.
9 Healthcare providers are required to respect the wishes articulated in a DNR order, provided they are aware of the order and it is deemed valid and applicable to the situation at hand.
10 The presence of a DNR order does not influence the quality of care a patient receives; it solely dictates the use of CPR in situations where the patient's breathing or heartbeat has stopped.

Detailed Instructions for Filling Out Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate Order

Completing a Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a significant step for those who wish to ensure that their wishes concerning resuscitation are respected in the event of a life-threatening situation where resuscitation could be considered. The document must be completed with care to ensure that the patient’s intentions are clearly communicated and understood by healthcare providers, family members, and others who may be involved in their care. Here’s a detailed guide on how to fill out this form correctly.

  1. Begin by gathering the necessary information, including the patient's full legal name, date of birth, and relevant medical details that would support the DNR order, such as terminal illness or conditions that justify the request.
  2. Review the form thoroughly to understand all the sections that require completion. This will ensure that no critical parts are missed during the filling process.
  3. Enter the patient's information in the designated sections. It is crucial to ensure that all details are accurate and reflect the patient’s current medical status and identification.
  4. If the patient is competent and able to express their wishes, they should sign the form in the designated area. This confirms their understanding and agreement to the DNR order.
  5. In cases where the patient is unable to sign due to medical conditions, the legal healthcare proxy, power of attorney, or a close family member authorized by law may sign on the patient’s behalf. The signature should be accompanied by the date and, if applicable, the relationship to the patient.
  6. Ensure that the attending physician or healthcare provider reviews the form. Their signature is necessary to validate the DNR order, signifying they have discussed it with the patient and/or the patient's representative and agree that it reflects the patient's wishes regarding resuscitation.
  7. After completing and signing the form, make several copies. Provide one to the patient or their representative, keep a copy in the patient's medical records, and consider providing copies to any relevant healthcare providers or facilities involved in the patient’s care.

After the Tennessee DNR Order form is filled out and properly signed, it plays a critical role in the patient's care. It instructs healthcare professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event the patient's breathing or heartbeat stops. This document ensures that the patient's wishes are respected during critical moments, providing peace of mind to both the patient and their loved ones. Handling and storing the document correctly is paramount, so it is easily accessible when needed.

More About Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate Order

What is a Do Not Resuscitate Order in Tennessee?

A Do Not Resuscitate Order, often abbreviated as DNR, is a medical directive used in Tennessee. It communicates a patient's decision to forego resuscitation attempts in the event their heart stops beating or they stop breathing. This decision is important and highly personal, involving discussions between the patient, their family, and healthcare providers. A DNR order is used to respect the patient's wishes regarding their end-of-life care.

Who can create a Do Not Resuscitate Order in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, a Do Not Resuscitate Order can be requested by:

  • A competent adult patient, making an informed decision for themselves.
  • A legal guardian or power of attorney for healthcare, if the patient is unable to make decisions for themselves.
  • Parents or legal guardians, when the order concerns a minor.
It's vital that this decision is made after thorough discussion with a healthcare provider to understand the implications fully.

How can someone obtain a Do Not Resuscitate Order form in Tennessee?

To obtain a Do Not Resuscitate Order form in Tennessee, individuals can:

  1. Contact their healthcare provider, who can provide the form and guide them through the process.
  2. Visit the Tennessee Department of Health website, where forms and additional information are available for download.
  3. Consult with a legal professional or a healthcare advisor, who can help navigate the process and ensure the form is filled out correctly.
Regardless of the method chosen to obtain the form, it's crucial that it is completed under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Is a Do Not Resuscitate Order permanent in Tennessee?

No, a Do Not Resuscitate Order in Tennessee is not permanent. Patients or their authorized decision-makers have the right to revoke or modify the order at any time. This flexibility allows for adjustments based on changes in the patient's health condition or personal wishes. To modify or revoke a DNR order, it is necessary to communicate the changes to the healthcare provider directly. The healthcare team can then assist in ensuring the patient's medical records reflect their current wishes regarding resuscitation efforts.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a critical step for those who wish to communicate their preferences about lifesaving treatments. However, mistakes can easily be made during this process. This discussion highlights four common errors to avoid, ensuring that wishes are clearly communicated and respected.

  1. Not Discussing the Decision with Family and Healthcare Providers
  2. One of the biggest mistakes is not having a conversation with family members and healthcare providers before completing the DNR form. It's essential for individuals to discuss their decisions with those close to them and their medical team to ensure that everyone understands their wishes. Failure to do so can lead to confusion and emotional distress during emergency situations.

  3. Incomplete Information or Signatures
  4. A common issue is the submission of DNR forms that are not fully completed. Every section of the form must be filled out accurately, including the signatures of the individual and the physician. If any part of the form is left incomplete, or if signatures are missing, the document may not be legally binding. This could result in unwanted medical interventions.

  5. Misunderstanding the Scope of the DNR
  6. Many individuals mistakenly believe that a DNR order applies to all medical treatments. However, it specifically applies to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. Other lifesaving measures, such as artificial ventilation or feeding tubes, are not covered by a standard DNR. Understanding the scope of the document is crucial for making informed decisions about one's care.

  7. Failure to Review and Update the Document
  8. Last but not least, individuals often overlook the importance of periodically reviewing and updating their DNR order. Personal wishes and health conditions can change over time, making it essential to ensure that the document reflects current preferences. It's advisable to review the DNR order regularly and after any significant changes in one's health status, discussing updates with healthcare providers as necessary.

Avoiding these mistakes requires attention to detail, clear communication, and a good understanding of the purpose and limitations of DNR orders. By ensuring that the form is accurately and thoroughly completed, individuals can have peace of mind, knowing that their healthcare choices will be respected.

Documents used along the form

In the state of Tennessee, alongside a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, individuals planning for their healthcare and end-of-life decisions often engage with several other forms and documents. These items work together to ensure a person's healthcare preferences are clearly defined and respected, providing peace of mind for both the individual and their loved ones. The following are some of the additional forms frequently used in conjunction with a Tennessee DNR Order form.

  • Advance Directive for Healthcare: This comprehensive document allows individuals to outline specific medical treatments they wish to receive or avoid, in the event they are unable to communicate their wishes directly. It often includes designations such as a living will and a healthcare power of attorney.
  • Living Will: A living will is an essential part of an advance directive, specifically detailing which life-sustaining treatments, such as mechanical ventilation or tube feeding, one wants to forgo if they are terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state.
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney: This legal document appoints a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual, should they become incapable of making decisions themselves. It is a critical component of ensuring one's healthcare preferences are honored.
  • Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST): Similar to a DNR, a POST form specifies a broader range of treatment preferences beyond resuscitation, such as antibiotics, feeding tubes, and other life-prolonging measures.
  • Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST): Similar to the POST, the MOLST form provides detailed directives for end-of-life care based on the patient's current health condition. It is designed to follow the patient across different care settings.
  • Portable Medical Order: This form complements a DNR by including orders that can be honored by healthcare providers outside of the hospital setting, such as in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or at home.
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS) DNR Order: Specifically designed to be recognized and followed by emergency medical technicians and paramedics, an EMS DNR order prevents the initiation of CPR or advanced life support techniques by emergency services.

These documents collectively play a substantial role in the management of end-of-life care. By having these forms properly filled out and accessible, individuals in Tennessee can ensure their healthcare wishes are known and can be acted upon, even if they're unable to communicate them. It's crucial for anyone considering a DNR to consult with healthcare professionals and legal advisors to ensure their documents are correctly executed and in alignment with their desires and state laws.

Similar forms

The Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form shares similarities with the Advance Health Care Directive. Both documents allow individuals to make decisions about their medical treatment beforehand. While the DNR specifically instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if a person’s breathing or heart stops, an Advance Health Care Directive can include a wider range of medical decisions, such as the use of life-sustaining treatments or interventions. This document functions as a comprehensive plan for future healthcare, including but not limited to resuscitation preferences.

Like the Medical Power of Attorney, the Tennessee DNR Order is a crucial tool in planning for medical care. The Medical Power of Attorney grants a designated agent the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual if they're unable to communicate their wishes. While the focus of a DNR is specific to resuscitation efforts, a Medical Power of Attorney covers a broader spectrum of medical decisions. However, both documents underscore the individual’s desire to have their healthcare wishes respected and adhered to.

The Living Will bears a resemblance to the Tennessee DNR Order in that it also communicates a person’s preferences regarding end-of-life care. A Living Will may specify circumstances under which the individual would not want extraordinary life-saving measures to be used, which can include resuscitation. Whereas the DNR Order explicitly states the wish not to receive CPR, a Living Will provides an opportunity to outline a broader scope of medical interventions the individual wishes to decline or accept, thus guiding healthcare providers in many situations.

Similarly, the POLST (Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is akin to the Tennessee DNR Order. Both are designed to ensure patients' healthcare preferences are considered and honored by medical teams, especially in emergency situations. However, the POLST goes beyond the scope of CPR, covering a variety of life-sustaining treatments such as intubation, mechanical ventilation, and artificial nutrition. It translates an individual’s treatment preferences into actionable medical orders, applicable across a range of scenarios, not limited to cardiac or respiratory arrest.

The Five Wishes document, while not legally binding in every state, shares the patient-centered approach seen in the Tennessee DNR Order. It allows individuals to outline their personal, emotional, and spiritual needs alongside their medical preferences at the end of life. While the DNR Order deals with the specific issue of resuscitation, the Five Wishes document addresses a wider array of concerns, including the person’s comfort, how they wish to be treated, and what they want their loved ones to know. This comprehensive approach ensures a holistic view of the patient's end-of-life care preferences.

Dos and Don'ts

Completing a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form in Tennessee is an important step for individuals wishing to declare their preferences regarding resuscitation efforts in emergency medical situations. To ensure the process is conducted smoothly and the individual's wishes are clearly communicated, here are several dos and don'ts to consider:

Do:

  1. Consult with your healthcare provider to thoroughly understand the implications of a DNR order and ensure it aligns with your health care goals and wishes.
  2. Provide clear and accurate personal information, including your full legal name, date of birth, and any relevant medical identification numbers, to avoid any confusion or misidentification.
  3. Ensure that all sections of the form are completed accurately. If a section does not apply, it should be marked appropriately to indicate so.
  4. Have the form signed by the required parties, which typically include the individual (or their legally authorized representative) and the physician. This is crucial for the DNR order to be legally valid.
  5. Keep the original DNR order in an easily accessible location and provide copies to pertinent individuals such as family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

Don't:

  • Delay discussing your wishes with loved ones and healthcare providers. Timely conversations ensure that everyone involved understands your choices and can advocate for them.
  • Fill out the form without fully understanding its terms and implications. Seeking clarification from a healthcare provider can prevent unintended consequences.
  • Forget to review and update the form periodically. Changes in health status or personal wishes may necessitate adjustments to the DNR order.
  • Overlook the importance of notifying all relevant parties of the existence and location of your DNR order, as it ensures your wishes are known and can be acted upon in an emergency.
  • Assume that a DNR order is universally recognized across all states. If you travel or relocate, verify that your DNR order is compliant with local laws and regulations.

Misconceptions

When discussing a Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it's vital to clear up common misconceptions that can cause confusion and anxiety for individuals and their families. Understanding what a DNR order represents -- and what it doesn't -- is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions.

  • Misconception 1: A DNR order affects all medical treatments. It's important to understand that a DNR order is specifically related to not performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event a person's heart stops or they stop breathing. It does not mean that other forms of medical care, including pain management, antibiotics, or nutritional support, will be withheld.

  • Misconception 2: The patient is the only one who can request a DNR order. While a patient's consent is crucial, a DNR order can also be requested by a legal healthcare proxy or surrogate if the patient is incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes concerning life-saving measures.

  • Misconception 3: A DNR order is permanent and cannot be changed. This is not the case. Patients or their designated healthcare proxies can revoke or modify a DNR order at any time to reflect changes in the patient's health condition or preferences.

  • Misconception 4: A DNR order is only for the elderly or those with terminal illnesses. While commonly associated with these groups, a DNR order can be appropriate for anyone at any age based on their health status, medical history, and personal wishes regarding resuscitation in a life-threatening situation.

  • Misconception 5: DNR orders are universally recognized across different states. Each state has its own regulations and forms for DNR orders. A Tennessee DNR order may not automatically be recognized in other states, and it's advisable to understand and comply with the laws of the state where one is receiving medical care.

  • Misconception 6: Having a DNR order means you will not be admitted to the hospital. This is incorrect. A DNR order does not restrict access to hospital care. The purpose of the order is to guide healthcare providers in respecting the patient’s wishes regarding CPR, not to limit overall medical care and treatments.

It's pivotal for individuals considering a DNR order, and their families, to communicate clearly with healthcare providers to ensure their wishes are understood and respected. Seeking advice from professionals knowledgeable in the complexities of end-of-life care decision-making can also provide clarity and peace of mind during challenging times.

Key takeaways

The Tennessee Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order Form is an essential document for those wishing to express their preference not to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. Understanding how to properly fill out and use this form is crucial for ensuring that these wishes are respected. Here are five key takeaways that may help guide individuals and their loved ones through this process.

  • Physician Signature is Mandatory: The Tennessee DNR Order Form must be signed by a licensed physician to be valid. This endorsement confirms that the physician has discussed the implications of a DNR order with the patient or their authorized representative, ensuring that the decision is informed.
  • Discuss with Family or Representatives: It is highly recommended that the individual's decision to have a DNR order be discussed with family members or legal representatives. This step helps ensure that all parties are aware of their wishes and can help prevent confusion or disagreements in an emergency.
  • Keep the Form Accessible: Once completed and signed, the DNR order should be kept in a place that is easily accessible to emergency personnel. Common locations include on the refrigerator, in a personal health record, or with other important medical documents.
  • Informing Emergency Personnel: It is critical to inform emergency responders of the DNR order. When calling for emergency services, it should be communicated that the individual has a DNR order, and the document should be presented upon their arrival.
  • Review and Update Regularly: Life circumstances and medical opinions can change. Therefore, it is advisable to review the DNR order regularly and update it if necessary. This ensures that the document reflects the current wishes of the individual.
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