Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Order

An Out-of-Hospital DNR Order is a form completed by a person and his or her physician that allows the patient to refuse specific resuscitative measures outside of a hospital inpatient setting, for instance in an ambulance or emergency department. An Out-of-Hospital DNR Order form or ID necklace or bracelet will tell health care providers, including emergency medical service personnel (EMS), not to use cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other life-sustaining treatments.

Important Points

Any adult who is capable of making and communicating informed health care decisions can obtain and complete an Out-of-Hospital DNR Order.

• The Out-of-Hospital DNR Order form and bracelet must be obtained through a physician.
• You may cancel the Out-of-Hospital DNR Order at any time.

To read the Texas law regarding Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders, go to http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/ and look under Texas Statutes. The Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Order is covered under the Advance Directives Act, Chapter 166 of the Health and Safety Code.