What must healthcare professionals verify for a DNR order?

For a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, it is critical that there is proper documentation that includes written responses and is signed by the appropriate medical professional. This ensures that the DNR order is valid, legally enforceable, and that all healthcare providers involved are clear on the patient's wishes regarding resuscitation efforts.

Proper documentation serves multiple purposes: it protects the patient's rights, provides clarity for healthcare staff, and reduces the potential for misunderstandings or disputes about the patient's treatment preferences. A signed DNR order indicates that a physician has evaluated the patient's condition and made a determination that resuscitation may not be in the patient's best interest, reflecting the patient's desires and values.

While communication and consent are essential aspects of healthcare, relying solely on oral consent or verbal orders would not meet the standards of care and documentation required for such a critical decision. This is why it is required that the DNR be well-documented and signed to ensure that all involved parties are consistent in following the directive intended by the patient and the issuing physician.