What is the Color of your DNR?

States have different requirements for DNRO’s. If you have a Florida DNRO it may not be valid in the state in which you are visiting. In that case, you would have to complete a DNRO form from that state. Likewise, people visiting Florida from out of state MUST have a valid Florida DNRO.

In order to be valid in the state of Florida, the Department of Health Form #1896 must be completed by a patient who is competent or the patient’s representative signed by a licensed Florida physician and be on either the original canary yellow form or copied onto similar yellow-colored paper. The form is not valid if it is on WHITE or any other color paper. The form is divided into two sections: the Patient’s Statement and the Physician’s Statement. There is a large version of the form and a small “wallet” size version on the same page. The form is in both English and other languages. To make the process easy, physicians generally have the forms in their office. If not, it can be accessed by clicking here: http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/ems-system/_documents/dnro-updated-form-bw.pdf.

The completed, signed form on yellow paper should be kept in a memorable, easily accessible place such as on the refrigerator or at the head or foot of the patient’s bed – taped to keep it from getting lost – so that it is easy to find in an emergency.

In many states including Florida, a “patient identification device” is equally valid to the DNRO form and can be presented to emergency medical services when they arrive. Although it is called a device, it is actually just a much smaller version of the larger form. In fact, it is the bottom portion of Form #1896 and can easily travel with the patient. The “device” is a little bigger than a Medicare card. It should be laminated and can be clipped to a key chain, clothing or the bed.

As a point of information, a DNRO contains directions for emergency medical personnel who might treat a patient outside a hospital situation if they are no longer breathing or their heart is not beating. It tells the EMT’s/first responders that the patient does NOT want them to use cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), artificial breathing tubes, electric heart shocks, or other invasive emergency techniques. If the patient is admitted to a hospital, the patient can get another DNRO that becomes part of his/her medical chart. Without this guidance EMT’s/first responders who come to the aid of someone don’t know the person’s preferences for treatment and therefore, they do everything possible to keep them alive. The same is true for emergency room staff. The result can be extremely invasive procedures such as intubation, ventilation and CPR.

Make sure you and your family have the documents you need to state your wishes clearly, whether you want extreme measures or not – and make sure that those documents are readily available and don’t get forgotten in the confusion of an emergency.

Whatever it takes, Personal Affairs Management Group is here to make your life as carefree as possible.

Our mission is to make your life simple, secure, reduce stress and get things done. We specialize in helping all aspects of the day-to-day of busy professionals, families and seniors. We have a team devised to tackle and manage concerns that many may have. If you have questions or need information about you or your loved one’s life management issues, please reach out to us. We are here to make your life simple, secure and stress-free. We are available 24/7. Call us at 305-646-1833 or email us at Corrine@mypersonalaffairsmanagement.com.