Does a patient with a valid DNR need physician approval to change their DNR order?

A patient with a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order does not need physician approval to change their DNR order. This autonomy stems from the principle that patients have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare, including the right to refuse or withdraw from life-sustaining treatments. A DNR is a specific medical order indicating that a patient does not wish to receive CPR or other resuscitative measures in the event of cardiac arrest, but patients retain the liberty to alter their decisions as their health status or personal wishes change.

Changing a DNR order is an expression of the patient's right to self-determination and should be respected. Thus, neither physician endorsement nor supervision is required for a patient to modify their DNR directive. This empowers individuals to be actively involved in their own care and ensures that their wishes are honored, reinforcing the ethical commitment to patient autonomy in treatment decisions.