Fillable Do Not Resuscitate Order Document for Wisconsin

What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in Wisconsin?

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in Wisconsin is a legal document that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a person's breathing stops or if their heart stops beating. It's intended for use by patients with a serious illness or condition where CPR would not be expected to significantly extend their life or improve their quality of life.

Who can request a DNR order in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, a DNR order can be requested by any adult who is of sound mind or by the legal guardian of a person who is not able to make such decisions for themselves. Additionally, healthcare agents appointed through a valid durable power of attorney for healthcare may also request a DNR order on behalf of the person they represent.

How can someone obtain a DNR order in Wisconsin?

To obtain a DNR order in Wisconsin, the individual or their authorized representative must first discuss their wishes with a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If a DNR order is deemed appropriate, the healthcare provider will fill out the official state form, which must then be signed by both the healthcare provider and the patient or their representative.

Is the Wisconsin DNR order applicable in all settings?

Yes, the Wisconsin DNR order is applicable in all settings, including the patient's home, in a hospital, or in other healthcare facilities such as nursing homes. It is designed to ensure that the patient's wishes regarding CPR are respected across all settings.

What should someone do with their DNR order once it's obtained?

Once a DNR order has been obtained, it is advisable to keep it in a location where it is easily accessible to emergency personnel. Copies should be provided to family members, healthcare agents, primary care physicians, and the main hospital or healthcare facility where the person receives treatment. Some people also choose to wear a Wisconsin Department of Health Services-approved DNR bracelet to indicate their DNR status.

Can a DNR order be revoked or changed in Wisconsin?

Yes, a DNR order can be revoked or changed at any time by the patient or their appointed healthcare agent. To revoke a DNR order, the individual must inform their healthcare provider verbally or in writing. A new DNR order can be issued if the person's healthcare wishes change and they no longer wish to have a DNR status.

What is the difference between a DNR order and a living will in Wisconsin?

A DNR order specifically relates to the refusal of CPR in the event that a person’s breathing or heartbeat stops. A living will, on the other hand, is a broader document that outlines a person’s preferences for various types of medical treatment and interventions in the event they become incapacitated and cannot express their wishes themselves. While both are advance directives, they serve different purposes.

Is there a fee to obtain a DNR order in Wisconsin?

There is no fee to obtain the DNR order itself in Wisconsin. However, there may be costs associated with consulting healthcare providers to discuss and complete the DNR order form. Additionally, if someone chooses to purchase a Wisconsin Department of Health Services-approved DNR bracelet, there may be a cost for the bracelet.

When individuals or their authorized representatives fill out the Wisconsin Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, several common mistakes may occur. These errors can complicate or invalidate the request, potentially leading to unwanted resuscitation efforts during a medical emergency. Understanding these common pitfalls can help ensure the DNR order reflects the individual's wishes accurately and is recognized legally by healthcare providers.

One frequent mistake involves not properly verifying the individual's identity. The form requires accurate identification to ensure the DNR order corresponds to the right person. Inaccuracies here can lead to confusion or a failure to honor the DNR request in critical situations.

Another issue arises when individuals or their representatives fail to obtain the required signatures. The Wisconsin DNR Order form must be signed by the individual (or their legally authorized representative) and the physician. Missing signatures can render the document non-binding.

Here are other common errors to avoid:

1. Not using the most current form version, which can lead to an unrecognized DNR order because it does not meet the current legal requirements.
2. Overlooking the need for witness signatures or assuming they are not necessary. Witness verification often plays a crucial role in substantiating the authenticity of the document.
3. Incomplete information about the medical professional who approves the DNR, such as forgetting to include their license number or contact information. This oversight can challenge the document's validity.
4. Filling out the form in haste, leading to illegible handwriting. If healthcare professionals cannot read the DNR order clearly, they may proceed with resuscitation to avoid legal repercussions.
5. Not communicating with family members or other relevant parties about the existence and location of the DNR order. In emergency situations, not being able to quickly present the DNR order can result in unwanted medical interventions.
6. Failing to review and update the DNR order. As situations and Wisconsin laws change, periodically reviewing and, if necessary, updating the DNR order ensures that it remains in compliance and reflects current wishes.

To conclude, the proper completion and handling of the Wisconsin Do Not Resuscitate Order form are critical. Individuals and their representatives should take care to avoid these common mistakes. By doing so, they can help ensure their intentions regarding resuscitation are clearly communicated and legally recognized. Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or legal advisor familiar with Wisconsin's DNR regulations can also provide invaluable assistance in navigating this process.

In the realm of planning for emergency medical situations and end-of-life care, several important documents can work in concert with the Wisconsin Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form. A DNR order is crucial for those who wish to decline resuscitation in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest, but it's often not the only document needed to fully articulate a person's wishes regarding healthcare and end-of-life decisions. Here are eight additional documents that are frequently used alongside a Wisconsin DNR order to ensure comprehensive care planning.

• Advanced Healthcare Directive: This legal document outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment and interventions in situations where they cannot make decisions for themselves. It often includes durable power of attorney for health care decisions.
• Living Will: A living will is a type of advance directive that provides specific instructions about what types of medical treatment the person does or does not want to be used to keep them alive, often including the use of ventilators, feeding tubes, and other life-sustaining measures.
• Medical Power of Attorney (POA): This document designates another person (a proxy) to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual, should they become unable to make such decisions themselves.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST is a set of medical orders signed by a doctor or another authorized medical professional that specifies the types of life-sustaining treatment a patient wishes to receive or avoid, particularly tailored for seriously ill patients.
• Healthcare Information Release (HIPAA Authorization Form): This form permits healthcare providers to share an individual's health information with designated persons or healthcare agents, often crucial for effective care coordination and decision-making.
• Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Order: While similar to a DNR, this document is specifically intended to prevent emergency medical services (EMS) from performing CPR in non-hospital settings.
• Five Wishes Document: This comprehensive document goes beyond traditional medical care planning, addressing personal, emotional, and spiritual needs alongside medical and legal wishes at the end of life.
• Funeral Planning Declaration: This document specifies an individual's preferences for funeral arrangements and the disposition of their remains, ensuring their final wishes are respected and can alleviate decision-making burdens on family members.

Together, these documents form a robust legal and medical framework that respects individual autonomy while ensuring that medical care aligns with personal values and wishes. For individuals in Wisconsin contemplating a DNR order, incorporating these additional forms can provide peace of mind and facilitate comprehensive care planning that honors their intentions across various medical contexts. It is advisable to discuss these documents with healthcare providers and legal counsel to ensure they accurately reflect the person's wishes and comply with state laws.

The Wisconsin Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form shares similarities with the Advanced Directive. Both documents empower individuals to outline their preferences regarding medical treatment in scenarios where they may not be able to communicate their wishes due to illness or incapacity. While the DNR specifically addresses the refusal of CPR or advanced cardiac life support, Advanced Directives can cover a broader range of medical interventions or treatments the individual does or does not want.

Similar to the DNR, a Living Will is another document focused on end-of-life care wishes. This document typically outlines which life-sustaining treatments an individual would want to forego if they were terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state. Both serve the purpose of guiding family members and healthcare providers in making healthcare decisions that align with the patient's preferences when the patient is unable to make decisions themselves.

The Medical Power of Attorney (POA) is akin to the DNR in that it designates someone to make health care decisions on the patient's behalf. Unlike the DNR, which specifically addresses the administration or withholding of CPR, a Medical POA broadly allows an appointed agent to make a wide array of medical decisions according to the patient's wishes or best interests when the patient is incapacitated.

A POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form also shares similarities with the DNR. Both documents are designed to communicate a patient's preferences regarding end-of-life treatment, including resuscitation efforts. However, POLST forms are more comprehensive, covering a wide rationalities range of life-sustaining treatments beyond CPR, such as intubation, mechanical ventilation, and antibiotic use.

The Healthcare Proxy document, similar to the DNR, pertains to the delegation of decision-making authority. It allows an individual to appoint a representative to make healthcare decisions on their behalf. While the DNR addresses a specific decision - the refusal of CPR, a healthcare proxy grants authority to make broader healthcare decisions when the individual is unable to do so.

A Do Not Intubate (DNI) order is closely related to the DNR, focusing specifically on the refusal of endotracheal intubation, a procedure often used to maintain an open airway. Both documents guide healthcare providers on specific interventions a patient does not wish to receive under certain medical conditions, ensuring treatments align with the patient's end-of-life care preferences.

The Five Wishes document, like the DNR, is a tool for expressing healthcare preferences, but it encompasses a broader range of topics. It addresses personal, spiritual, and emotional wishes in addition to medical wishes, such as the use of life-sustaining treatments. The DNR's focus is more narrowly tailored to the specific issue of CPR and resuscitation.

An Emergency Medical Information Form (EMIF) shares the objective of communicating critical health care preferences in emergency situations, similar to the DNR. While the DNR order clearly states a patient's wish not to undergo CPR, the EMIF provides a comprehensive overview of a patient's medical conditions, allergies, medications, and other life-sustaining wishes or instructions that might be pertinent during a medical emergency.

The Last Will and Testament, while primarily focused on the distribution of assets after death, shares a common goal with the DNR: to ensure an individual's wishes are carried out. The DNR ensures wishes regarding life-saving treatment are respected, whereas the Last Will addresses financial and personal property matters. Both reflect proactive planning and a desire to guide those making decisions on behalf of the individual.

The Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate (OOH-DNR) agreement is directly related to the DNR but is specifically intended for emergencies occurring outside of the hospital setting. Like the hospital-based DNR, it informs first responders and emergency medical personnel of the individual's decision to forego CPR, but it is tailored for situations that occur at home or in other non-hospital locations.

When filling out the Wisconsin Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it's crucial to approach the process with care and correctness to ensure your wishes are properly documented and respected. Here are lists of things you should and shouldn't do.

1. Thoroughly read and understand the form before filling it out. If anything is unclear, seek clarification from a healthcare professional or legal advisor.
2. Ensure all information provided is accurate and current, including personal identification details and contact information.
3. Discuss your decision with your family and healthcare provider to ensure it reflects your wishes and medical situation.
4. Use black or blue ink when filling out the form to ensure legibility and official recognition.
5. Sign the form in the presence of the required witnesses or a notary public, as stated in Wisconsin's requirements.
6. Keep the original document in an easily accessible but secure place.
7. Distribute copies of the completed form to your healthcare provider, close family members, and potentially your attorney, ensuring they are aware of and can access your DNR order.

1. Do not leave any sections incomplete, as this can lead to misunderstandings or the document being considered invalid.
2. Do not use pencil or non-standard ink colors as these can fade over time or may not be recognized as official.
3. Do not sign the form without the required witness or notary public present, as this could invalidate the document.
4. Do not fail to communicate your decision with family members and healthcare providers, as they need to be informed to respect your wishes.
5. Do not forget to update your DNR order if your health situation or wishes change.
6. Do not keep the completed form only to yourself; ensure it is accessible to those who may need it in an emergency.
7. Do not make assumptions about the document's provisions without reading and understanding them fully. If doubtful, ask a professional for help.

When it comes to making decisions about end-of-life care, understanding the nuances of medical directives is crucial. In Wisconsin, the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order is a legal document designed to respect patients' wishes not to undergo CPR if their heart stops or if they stop breathing. However, certain misconceptions about the DNR order can lead to confusion and distress.

Here are seven common misconceptions about the Wisconsin Do Not Resuscitate Order form:

• Misconception 1: A DNR order means medical professionals will not provide any emergency treatment. In reality, the DNR order specifically applies to CPR. Doctors and emergency personnel can still offer other life-saving treatments unless otherwise specified by additional advance directives.
• Misconception 2: Anyone can request a DNR order for a patient. To have a DNR order placed, the patient must either request it personally if they are competent to do so, or it can be requested by a legally authorized representative if the patient is unable to make their own medical decisions.
• Misconception 3: A DNR order is permanent and cannot be changed. The truth is that a patient or their authorized representative can revoke the DNR order at any time, either verbally or in writing, to reflect a change in the patient’s wishes.
• Misconception 4: DNR orders are only for elderly people. People of any age who have chronic or terminal illnesses, or who wish to avoid aggressive medical interventions in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest, might consider a DNR. It’s about personal choice, regardless of age.
• Misconception 5: The DNR order will automatically be known and followed by all healthcare providers. Communication is key. It is important for individuals and their families to inform healthcare providers and emergency responders about the existence of a DNR order to ensure it is followed.
• Misconception 6: Signing a DNR order means giving up on life. This misunderstanding fails to recognize that many patients opt for a DNR order to avoid prolonging the dying process or to ensure their quality of life is respected. It's a deeply personal decision, not a surrender.
• Misconception 7: A DNR order is enough to guide all end-of-life decisions. DNR orders are specific to CPR and do not cover other medical treatments or interventions. Patients may need to consider additional advance directives, such as living wills or healthcare powers of attorney, to fully outline their wishes.

Understanding these misconceptions can empower individuals and families to make informed decisions about DNR orders and other end-of-life care options. It is always advisable to discuss these choices with healthcare providers and legal advisors to ensure that one's wishes are accurately captured and will be honored.

Filling out and utilizing the Wisconsin Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form is a critical process for those who wish to have their healthcare preferences respected in life-threatening situations. Understanding the nuances of this document can help ensure that one's wishes are clearly communicated and legally recognized. Here are key takeaways to consider:

• Eligibility criteria: Not everyone may qualify for a DNR order. Wisconsin law specifies certain conditions and situations under which a person can request a DNR, such as terminal illness or specific medical conditions that make resuscitation efforts futile or undesirable.
• Consultation with a healthcare provider: Discussing your health condition and the implications of a DNR order with a healthcare provider is a mandatory step. This discussion ensures that the decision is informed and medically grounded.
• Proper documentation is crucial: The Wisconsin DNR order form must be filled out accurately and in accordance with state regulations to be considered valid. Any mistakes or omissions could render the document legally ineffective.
• Witnessing and signatures: The form typically requires signatures from both the individual requesting the DNR order and their healthcare provider, alongside date stamps. In some cases, witness signatures may also be necessary to attest to the authenticity of the decision.
• Availability: Once completed, the DNR order should be kept in an easily accessible place. Individuals might consider informing family members or caretakers of its location, or carrying a copy with them, especially in the case of a medical emergency.
• Legal recognition: Wisconsin's legal framework recognizes DNR orders, giving them authority in medical situations. Healthcare professionals are obliged to comply with the directives, provided the DNR order is valid and available at the time of the medical emergency.
• Potential for revocation: An individual has the right to revoke their DNR order at any time should they change their mind. This revocation must be communicated clearly to healthcare providers to ensure it is respected.
• Impact on other medical treatments: It's important to note that a DNR order specifically addresses the issue of resuscitation and does not affect the provision of other medical treatments or palliative care unless explicitly stated.
• Periodic review: Given that medical conditions and personal preferences can change, reviewing and, if necessary, updating the DNR order periodically is wise. This ensures that the document reflects the current wishes of the individual.