Under what conditions is a DNR valid?

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is designed to inform emergency medical personnel of a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation in the event of a cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. A DNR is considered valid when it is accompanied by an approved form or a medic alert tag that is physically present and meets the necessary legal requirements. This ensures that emergency responders can easily identify the patient's wishes and act accordingly, respecting the patient's autonomy and choices about their medical care.

The requirement for a physical document or tag emphasizes the importance of clear and distinguishable communication regarding a person's end-of-life wishes. Without this documentation, the medical staff may not be able to reliably confirm the patient's intent, which could lead to unwanted resuscitation efforts in a situation where the patient explicitly chose not to receive them.

Understanding the validity of a DNR is critical, as it helps protect patients' rights and ensures that medical personnel act in accordance with their directives.