What Is a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR)?

In 1996 Michigan created the do not resuscitate procedure act. The act permits a competent adult or their patient advocate to sign a DNR and wear a DNR ID bracelet. If you have a DNR and it is made known to emergency personnel, then CPR will not be performed on you in an emergency. A DNR is useful if you have reached a point in life where you desire not to be revived if your heart or breathing stops.

A DNR states that “if my heart and breathing stop, no person shall attempt to resuscitate me.”

If you have a DNR, then a health care professional shall not attempt to resuscitate you (CPR) if they discover that you have no vital signs.

A DNR allows a competent adult or their patient advocate to sign a DNR on their behalf. The DNR must be signed by at least two witnesses at least one of whom is not the person’s spouse, parent, child, grandchild, sibling or presumptive heir. Unless someone is refusing resuscitation for religious reasons, that person’s attending physician is also required to sign the DNR and include a copy of a DNR order in the person’s permanent medical record.

The purpose of a DNR is that it can control emergency situations and solves the limitations that a medical durable power of attorney has.

Yes if the person is competent.