Attorney-Approved Maine Do Not Resuscitate Order Template

What is a Maine Do Not Resuscitate Order Form?

A Maine Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a legal document that tells healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. It's used by individuals who wish to avoid life-extending procedures in these situations.

Who can create a DNR Order in Maine?

In Maine, any adult can request a DNR order. This request can be made by the individual directly, or it can be made by a guardian or healthcare agent legally authorized to make medical decisions on the individual's behalf, if the individual is unable to do so.

How do I get a Maine DNR Order?

To get a Maine DNR Order, you should start by speaking with your doctor. Your doctor can discuss the implications of a DNR order and help you understand the medical considerations. If you decide to proceed, your doctor will fill out and sign the form according to Maine's requirements.

Is a DNR Order permanent?

No, a DNR Order is not permanent. You can change your mind at any time and cancel the order. To do so, you should inform your doctor and healthcare team immediately. They will guide you through the process of revoking the DNR Order and can assist in any necessary paperwork.

Where should I keep my DNR Order?

It's important to keep your Maine DNR Order in a place where it can be easily found by emergency personnel or healthcare providers. Common places include:

• On your refrigerator
• With your personal identification
• In a known and accessible place, like a wallet or a medical alert bracelet

Additionally, make sure your family members, close friends, and healthcare proxy are aware of the DNR Order and its location.

Will emergency services honor my DNR Order?

Yes, emergency services in Maine are legally required to honor your DNR Order. However, for them to follow through with your wishes, it's crucial that the order is immediately accessible during an emergency. Emergency personnel need to verify the existence and authenticity of the DNR Order to adhere to it. This is why keeping it in a visible and known location is vital.

What happens if I don't have a DNR Order?

If you don't have a DNR Order and you are unable to express your wishes during a medical emergency, healthcare providers will typically perform all possible lifesaving measures, including CPR, to revive you. This is standard practice in emergency care when no specific instructions are present.

Can a DNR Order be used in combination with other advance directives?

Yes, a Maine DNR Order can be used alongside other advance directives, such as a living will or a healthcare power of attorney. Each of these documents serves different purposes, but together, they can provide a comprehensive plan for your healthcare preferences in various situations. It's a good idea to discuss all your healthcare directives with your doctor to ensure your wishes are clearly understood and followed.

1. Not verifying the patient's information is a common error. It's crucial that the patient's full name, date of birth, and other personal details are accurately filled out on the Maine Do Not Resuscitate Order form. Mistakes in this area can lead to confusion and the form being considered invalid.

2. Failing to get the required signatures can invalidate the form. The Maine Do Not Resuscitate Order form requires signatures from both the patient (or their legally authorized representative if the patient is unable to sign) and the physician. Skipping these signatures means the form won't be legally binding.

3. Overlooking the form's expiration date is another mistake. Unlike some medical forms, the Maine Do Not Resuscitate Order has a validity period. Users must be aware of this date and ensure the form is renewed as necessary to maintain its enforceability.

4. Not providing clear copies to relevant parties can lead to significant issues. After completing and signing the form, it's important to distribute copies to relevant healthcare providers, as well as having one readily available at the patient's place of residence, to ensure the patient's wishes are respected.

5. Incorrectly choosing or filling out the form without fully understanding the implications can have serious consequences. Some people might not fully grasp the scope of a Do Not Resuscitate Order and how it differs from other advanced directives. It's important that before filling out the form, a detailed discussion with healthcare professionals is undertaken to make fully informed decisions.

When preparing for healthcare and end-of-life decisions, it's crucial to be thorough and explore all necessary documentation. The Maine Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a key document for those wishing to decline resuscitation in emergencies. However, it's just one piece of the puzzle. Understanding and having access to additional forms can provide a more comprehensive approach to one's healthcare planning. The following list highlights several other important documents often used alongside the Maine DNR Order, each playing a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for well-rounded medical and end-of-life wishes.

• Advanced Healthcare Directive: This document allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences in detail, including treatments they do or do not want to receive. It serves as a guide for medical teams and loved ones in many healthcare decisions, not just those related to resuscitation.
• Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy): Another crucial document, the Medical Power of Attorney grants a designated person the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual, should they become unable to do so themselves. This proxy can help ensure that the wishes outlined in the Advanced Healthcare Directive are carried out.
• Living Will: Similar to an Advanced Healthcare Directive, a Living Will provides specific instructions regarding one’s medical care preferences. However, it typically takes effect only if the individual is terminally ill or permanently unconscious, with no hope of recovery.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): The POLST form complements a DNR order by providing more comprehensive instructions about end-of-life care preferences beyond resuscitation. It covers preferences like the use of ventilators, feeding tubes, and antibiotics, and is intended for seriously ill or frail individuals.
• HIPAA Authorization Form: Ensuring that the right people have access to one’s medical information is critical, especially in emergencies. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Authorization Form allows healthcare providers to share an individual's health information with designated persons.

Collectively, these documents ensure that an individual's healthcare preferences are understood and respected. Having clear, legally recognized instructions can provide peace of mind for both the person involved and their loved ones, affirming that the care received aligns with their values and wishes. As each document serves a unique purpose, discussing these options with healthcare professionals and legal advisors can ensure that personal healthcare planning is comprehensive and effective.

The Advance Directive is a vital document, quite akin to the Maine Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, as it serves as a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in circumstances when they are unable to communicate. Like the DNR, an Advance Directive informs healthcare providers and family about the care a person desires, encompassing treatments they want to avoid. Both documents play crucial roles in end-of-life planning, guiding decisions to align with the individual's preferences.

A Living Will shares similarities with the Maine DNR Order, focusing on the individual's healthcare wishes if they become incapacitated. While the DNR specifically addresses the wish not to have CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest, a Living Will covers a broader range of medical interventions and life-sustaining treatments. Both documents ensure that healthcare professionals understand the patient's preferences, but the Living Will provides a more comprehensive overview of desired medical care.

The Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA) document also resembles the Maine DNR Order in its purpose of guiding medical care when the individual cannot make decisions. Unlike the DNR, which explicitly denies CPR, the Healthcare POA designates another person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual. This authority can include decisions about a wide range of treatments, not limited to resuscitation. Although they serve different functions, both documents are integral in planning for situations where the patient's voice cannot be directly heard.

The POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form closely resembles the DNR in its function and audience. Both are medical orders that specify the types of life-sustaining treatment a patient wishes to receive or avoid, including resuscitation. Designed for seriously ill or frail individuals, the POLST complements the DNR by offering more detailed instructions about emergency medical care, like intubation and mechanical ventilation, ensuring care aligns with the patient's wishes.

An Organ Donation Registration form, while fundamentally different in its main objective, shares a common theme with the Maine DNR Order pertaining to end-of-life decisions. By registering to be an organ donor, individuals make critical decisions about what happens to their bodies after death, similar to how a DNR order specifies wishes regarding life-saving treatment. Both documents require thoughtful consideration and communicate important decisions about one's body to healthcare providers and family members.

The Five Wishes document extends beyond where the Maine DNR Order and other healthcare directives reach, offering a comprehensive approach to personal, emotional, and spiritual needs in addition to medical wishes. Like the DNR, it helps guide healthcare decisions when the individual is unable to communicate. However, it further addresses the person's desires regarding comfort care, the kind of people they want around them, and what they want their loved ones to know, emphasizing holistic end-of-life care planning.

When filling out the Maine Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, individuals are taking a significant step in planning their healthcare. It is imperative to approach this task with thoroughness and caution. The following guidelines can serve as a helpful checklist ensuring this process is carried out appropriately.

What You Should Do:

• Consult with a healthcare provider before making any decisions. It's crucial to understand the implications of a DNR order and ensure it reflects your healthcare wishes.
• Use black or blue ink to fill out the form. This ensures that the document is legible and universally accepted.
• Be clear and precise in your instructions. Ambiguity in a DNR order can lead to confusion or misinterpretation at critical moments.
• Ensure the form is properly signed and dated. A DNR order in Maine requires the signature of both the patient (or their authorized representative) and the attending physician to be valid.

What You Shouldn't Do:

• Fill out the form under pressure or without fully understanding its consequences. Making an informed decision is paramount.
• Use a pencil or any erasable writing tool. Information on legal documents like a DNR order must be permanent and tamper-proof.
• Leave sections incomplete. Each section of the DNR form provides vital information necessary for its enforcement, and missing information could render it ineffective.
• Forget to inform your family or healthcare proxy about your DNR order. It is important that those close to you are aware of your healthcare preferences and the existence of your DNR order.

Managing end-of-life decisions is a profound responsibility. By carefully considering and correctly filling out the Maine Do Not Resuscitate Order form, you take a significant step towards ensuring your healthcare preferences are honored. Remember, it is always advisable to seek the guidance of a healthcare professional or an attorney if you have any concerns or questions about completing the form.

When discussing Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders, specifically within the context of Maine, there are several misconceptions that often cloud the understanding and decisions of patients and their families. Addressed below are ten such misconceptions, aiming to clarify and provide accurate information to those considering or discussing DNR orders.

• Misconception 1: A Do Not Resuscitate Order is only for the elderly.

  In reality, a DNR order is applicable to any patient, regardless of age, who has a serious illness or condition where resuscitation would not be in their best interest according to their preferences and medical advice.

• Misconception 2: Having a DNR means you won’t get any medical treatment.

  This is not true. A DNR order specifically addresses the use of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in the event that a patient's breathing or heart stops. It does not affect other treatments that the patient might receive for pain management, injury, or illness.

• Misconception 3: You need a lawyer to complete a DNR order.

  While legal advice might be beneficial in the context of creating an overall healthcare directive, the process of completing a DNR order in Maine simply involves a discussion with a healthcare provider and does not require a lawyer’s involvement.

• Misconception 4: DNR orders are permanent and cannot be changed.

  DNR orders can indeed be revoked or changed at any time by the patient or their designated healthcare proxy, ensuring that the patient's current wishes are always respected.

• Misconception 5: Doctors decide if a patient should have a DNR order.

  While healthcare providers can offer advice, the decision to initiate a DNR order lies with the patient or, in some cases, the patient's healthcare proxy or legal guardian based on the patient's previously expressed wishes.

• Misconception 6: A DNR order is enough for all end-of-life wishes.

  A DNR order is specific to CPR and does not cover other medical interventions or treatments. For comprehensive end-of-life planning, individuals should consider an advance directive or living will.

• Misconception 7: DNR orders apply in any setting.

  DNR orders in Maine are primarily for hospital settings. Patients who wish their DNR preferences to be honored in non-hospital settings should discuss additional forms or bracelets indicating their status as per state regulations.

• Misconception 8: Emergency responders will always check for a DNR.

  While emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are trained to look for DNR documentation, the chaotic nature of emergency situations means it’s crucial for patients or family members to clearly communicate or display DNR orders whenever possible.

• Misconception 9: All family members must agree for a DNR to be implemented.

  The law does not require consensus among all family members for a DNR order to be valid. It prioritizes the wishes of the patient or their designated proxy above others.

• Misconception 10: A DNR order means giving up on life.

  Choosing a DNR order is a personal decision often made to avoid unnecessary suffering and to die with dignity. It reflects a preference for the quality of life over life-sustaining measures that no longer offer hope of recovery or contribute to a life that the patient considers meaningful.

When dealing with a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, particularly in the state of Maine, it's essential to understand its purpose, how it's filled out, and the implications of its use. The following key takeaways highlight critical aspects that must be considered:

• First and foremost, a Maine Do Not Resuscitate Order is a legal document that tells healthcare professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's heartbeat or breathing stops. This is a sensitive decision that requires thoughtful consideration and discussion with healthcare providers and loved ones.
• It's mandatory for the DNR Order to be completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider to be considered valid. This is typically the patient's physician but can include nurse practitioners or physician assistants in some contexts, depending on state laws. The healthcare provider's signature certifies the medical appropriateness of the DNR order concerning the patient's health status.
• For a DNR Order to be effective in Maine, the patient or their legally authorized representative must consent to it. This means the patient, or someone legally authorized to make healthcare decisions on their behalf, must understand the implications of the DNR order and voluntarily agree to it. This consent is signified through a signature on the form.
• It's crucial to keep the completed and signed DNR Order in a location where it can be easily found by emergency personnel, such as with the patient or in a prominent place within the patient's residence. For individuals who spend a lot of time outside their home, wearing a DNR bracelet or carrying a wallet card that indicates their DNR status can be beneficial.

In summary, the Maine Do Not Resuscitate Order is an important document for those who wish to forgo resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. It necessitates a clear understanding of its implications, a discussion with healthcare providers, and appropriate legal consent and documentation. Handling this document with the seriousness it deserves ensures that a patient's wishes are respected during critical moments.