Attorney-Verified Do Not Resuscitate Order Document for Nebraska

When filling out the Nebraska Do Not Resuscitate Order form, it is essential to approach the process with care and consideration. Below are five important actions to take and avoid.

• Do ensure that the form is filled out completely and accurately.
• Do discuss your wishes with your healthcare provider and family members.
• Do keep a copy of the signed form in an accessible location.
• Do review the form periodically to ensure it reflects your current wishes.
• Do sign and date the form in the presence of a witness, if required.

• Don't leave any sections of the form blank, as this may cause confusion.
• Don't assume that verbal instructions alone will be honored.
• Don't forget to inform your healthcare team about the existence of the order.
• Don't overlook the importance of having a witness if the form requires one.
• Don't hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure about any part of the form.

1. Failing to complete all required sections of the form. Each part of the Nebraska Do Not Resuscitate Order form must be filled out to ensure its validity.

2. Not signing the form. A signature is necessary to authenticate the document and express the individual's wishes clearly.

3. Using outdated forms. Always ensure that the most current version of the form is being used to avoid legal complications.

4. Not having the form witnessed or notarized as required. Depending on the situation, proper witnessing may be needed to validate the order.

5. Providing incomplete patient information. Full legal names and identifying details must be included for accurate identification.

6. Overlooking the importance of discussing the order with healthcare providers. Communication with medical professionals is crucial for understanding the implications of the order.

7. Not reviewing the form regularly. Changes in health status or personal preferences may necessitate updates to the order.

8. Failing to provide copies of the order to relevant parties. Distributing copies to healthcare providers and family members ensures that everyone is informed of the individual’s wishes.

9. Ignoring state-specific requirements. Each state has its own rules regarding Do Not Resuscitate Orders; adherence to Nebraska's specific regulations is essential.

Understanding the Nebraska Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is crucial for individuals and families making healthcare decisions. However, several misconceptions often arise regarding its purpose and implications. Here are nine common misconceptions:

1. A DNR means I will not receive any medical care. This is not true. A DNR specifically addresses resuscitation efforts, such as CPR, but does not prevent you from receiving other forms of medical treatment.
2. Only terminally ill patients need a DNR. This misconception overlooks that a DNR can be appropriate for anyone who wishes to avoid aggressive resuscitation efforts, regardless of their overall health status.
3. A DNR is a legal document that must be notarized. In Nebraska, a DNR does not require notarization. It must be signed by a physician and the patient or their representative.
4. Having a DNR means I am giving up on life. Many people view a DNR as a personal choice to prioritize quality of life over aggressive medical interventions, not as a decision to give up.
5. Once a DNR is in place, it cannot be changed. A DNR can be revoked or modified at any time by the patient or their legal representative, reflecting any changes in wishes or circumstances.
6. Emergency responders will ignore my wishes if I have a DNR. Emergency personnel are trained to honor DNR orders and will respect the patient’s wishes as long as the order is valid and accessible.
7. A DNR is only for older adults. This is a misconception. Individuals of any age can have a DNR if they choose to forgo resuscitation efforts based on their personal values and health situation.
8. Having a DNR means I cannot have a living will. A DNR and a living will serve different purposes. You can have both documents to ensure your overall healthcare preferences are honored.
9. My family can override my DNR wishes. In Nebraska, a valid DNR order must be respected, even if family members disagree with the decision. It is essential to communicate your wishes clearly with loved ones.

Being informed about these misconceptions can help individuals make better decisions regarding their healthcare preferences and ensure that their wishes are respected.

What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in Nebraska?

A Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that allows a person to refuse resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. In Nebraska, this order is recognized by healthcare providers and is intended to honor the wishes of individuals regarding end-of-life care.

Who can request a DNR Order in Nebraska?

Any adult who is capable of making informed decisions about their medical care can request a DNR Order. This includes individuals who have a terminal illness, a serious health condition, or those who simply wish to avoid aggressive medical interventions. Additionally, a legal guardian or an authorized healthcare proxy can request a DNR on behalf of someone who is unable to make decisions.

How is a DNR Order completed in Nebraska?

To complete a DNR Order in Nebraska, an individual must fill out the official Nebraska DNR Order form. The form requires the signature of the individual and must also be signed by a licensed physician. Once completed, the form should be kept in a location that is easily accessible to healthcare providers, such as a hospital or care facility.

What should I do with the DNR Order once it is completed?

After completing the DNR Order, it is crucial to provide copies to relevant parties. This includes:

1. Your primary care physician
2. Any healthcare facility where you receive treatment
3. Family members or caregivers who may be involved in your care

Keeping the original form in a safe but accessible place is also recommended, ensuring it can be presented when necessary.

Can a DNR Order be revoked or changed?

Yes, a DNR Order can be revoked or changed at any time by the individual who signed it. To do so, the individual should inform their healthcare provider and complete a new DNR Order if they wish to establish different preferences. It is essential to ensure that all relevant parties are aware of the revocation or changes to the order.

What happens if a DNR Order is not available during an emergency?

If a DNR Order is not available during a medical emergency, healthcare providers will typically proceed with standard resuscitation efforts. It is important to have the DNR form readily accessible to avoid confusion and ensure that your wishes are respected in such situations.

Are there any legal protections for healthcare providers regarding DNR Orders?

Yes, healthcare providers in Nebraska are protected from legal liability when they follow a valid DNR Order. As long as the order is properly executed and documented, medical professionals are legally obligated to honor the patient's wishes as outlined in the DNR Order.

• Living Will: This document outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they cannot communicate. Like a Do Not Resuscitate Order, it focuses on end-of-life care preferences.
• Healthcare Proxy: A healthcare proxy allows someone to make medical decisions on behalf of another person. This can include decisions about resuscitation, similar to what is specified in a DNR.
• Advance Directive: An advance directive combines a living will and a healthcare proxy. It provides guidance on medical treatment preferences and appoints someone to make decisions if needed.
• Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document grants authority to another person to make healthcare decisions. It can cover resuscitation choices, much like a DNR.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST is a medical order that details a patient's preferences for treatment, including resuscitation. It is similar to a DNR in that it provides clear instructions to medical personnel.
• Do Not Intubate Order: This order specifically states that a patient should not be intubated in case of respiratory failure. It aligns with the goals of a DNR in limiting invasive procedures.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Do Not Resuscitate Form: This form is used by EMS personnel to respect a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation in emergency situations, similar to a DNR.
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• Comfort Care Order: This order focuses on providing comfort without aggressive treatment. It shares similarities with a DNR by prioritizing quality of life over life-saving measures.
• Patient Bill of Rights: While not a direct substitute, this document emphasizes a patient's right to make informed decisions about their care, including resuscitation preferences.
• Withdrawal of Treatment Consent Form: This form is used when a patient or their representative wishes to withdraw consent for specific treatments, including resuscitation, reflecting the intent behind a DNR.

When considering end-of-life decisions, individuals may find it helpful to understand various forms and documents that work in conjunction with the Nebraska Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form. Each of these documents serves a distinct purpose, ensuring that a person's healthcare preferences are honored and communicated clearly to medical professionals and family members.

• Advance Directive: This document outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment and interventions in the event they become unable to communicate their preferences. It can include instructions about life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and other healthcare decisions.
• Articles of Incorporation: To establish a corporation, you will need to file the essential Articles of Incorporation form which outlines vital corporate information.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney: This form designates a trusted individual to make medical decisions on behalf of the person if they are incapacitated. The appointed agent should be someone who understands the individual's values and wishes regarding healthcare.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): This is a medical order that provides specific instructions about the types of medical treatment a patient wishes to receive or avoid. It is intended for patients with serious illnesses and is signed by a physician.
• Living Will: A living will is a type of advance directive that specifically addresses a person's wishes regarding end-of-life care. It details the types of medical treatments a person does or does not want if they are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.

Understanding these documents can empower individuals and their families to make informed decisions about healthcare preferences. By preparing and discussing these forms, individuals can ensure that their values and wishes are respected during critical moments in their healthcare journey.