Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Orders

Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders tell the health care team not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A DNR order only addresses the use of CPR. If your care team feels that chemotherapy or another form of medical care may help, the patient may receive that treatment. You will always receive care focused on keeping you comfortable.

There are two types of DNR orders: In-Hospital DNR and Out-of-Hospital DNR.

• In-Hospital DNR order: The doctor writes this order when the patient is admitted to the hospital. It lasts until a doctor cancels the order or the patient is discharged from the hospital. A new In-Hospital DNR must be written each time the patient is admitted to the hospital.
• Out-of-Hospital DNR order: This order tells a health care team not to perform CPR if your lungs or heart stop working when you are outside the hospital. This is an order signed by a doctor. If you do not have an Out-of-Hospital DNR order and your heart or lungs stop working properly, a health care team may do everything medically possible to restart your heart and help you breathe.

To show you have an Out-of-Hospital DNR order, you must have a copy of the DNR order, DNR bracelet or DNR necklace with you at all times. Be sure to give a copy of this document to your care team.

Each state has different DNR forms and laws. An Out-of-Hospital DNR will only be honored in the state where it is filed. If your home is in another state, you may want to ask your primary care doctor about DNR orders in your home state. Your social work counselor can also help you find answers about DNR orders outside of Texas.

It is important to have conversations about DNR orders and review your decisions from time to time. You may change your decision as often as needed.