Frequently Asked Questions About Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Florida

A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) is a form the Florida Department of Health uses when identifying people who do not wish to be resuscitated if they suffer an event of respiratory or cardiac arrest. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions we receive regarding the form:

Q: Who should use a DNRO?

DNROs are most commonly used by people who already know themselves to be suffering from a terminal condition. If you are unsure if a DNRO is wise for your case, consult your physician and an estate planning attorney.

Q: How does a living will differ from a DNRO?

A DNRO specifically focuses on the refusal of one type of treatment: cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Living wills have a much broader use, dealing with all end-of-life issues. They provide information on what care a person wishes to receive. A DNRO is an order directly from a physician to withhold or withdraw resuscitation in certain cases, and it must have the physician’s signature to be valid.

Q: What requirements are there for completing the DNRO paperwork?

The properly completed DNRO form will contain signatures from the patient (who is of sound mind and body) or his or her representative, along with a licensed Florida physician. It must be printed on either the original canary yellow form or copied onto paper of a similar color. The form is not valid unless printed on a yellow shade of paper.

Q: Must the DNRO be witnessed or notarized?

No. The only requirement is that it is signed by the patient or healthcare proxy and the patient’s physician.

Q: Does the DNRO form apply outside of Florida?

No. You are also not allowed to use a form from another state in Florida.

For more information and guidance on the various legal issues related to DNROs in Florida, contact a skilled Tampa estate planning attorney with BaumannKangas Estate Law.