Official Do Not Resuscitate Order Template for New Mexico

1. What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form in New Mexico?

   A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order in New Mexico is a medical form used by a patient or their healthcare proxy to instruct medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the patient's breathing stops or if the patient's heart stops beating. It's a sensitive decision often made by individuals with a terminal illness or those in a permanently unconscious state, guiding healthcare providers on the patient's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments.

2. Who can request a DNR order in New Mexico?

   In New Mexico, an adult with the capacity to make their own healthcare decisions can request a DNR order. If the individual is unable to make such decisions due to medical reasons, a legal guardian, healthcare proxy, or someone holding durable power of attorney for healthcare decisions can request a DNR on their behalf.

3. How can one obtain a DNR order in New Mexico?

   To obtain a DNR order, the individual or their authorized representative needs to have a discussion with the treating physician. The physician, after assessing the patient's health status and understanding the patient's wishes, will complete the DNR order form. It's essential to ensure that the form is correctly filled and signed as required by New Mexico laws.

4. Where does one display the DNR order?

   It is recommended that the DNR order be placed in an easily accessible and visible location within the patient's residence, such as on the refrigerator or near the bed. If the patient is being transferred to a hospital or other care facility, it is crucial to inform the medical staff of the DNR order and provide them with a copy.

5. Is a DNR order the same as a living will?

   No, a DNR order is not the same as a living will. A DNR specifically instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR, while a living will is a broader document that outlines a person's wishes regarding various forms of medical treatment and life-sustaining measures in the event they cannot communicate their decisions due to incapacity.

6. Can a DNR order be revoked or modified?

   Yes, a DNR order can be revoked or modified at any time by the individual if they are capable of making their own healthcare decisions. To revoke or modify a DNR order, the individual or their authorized representative should speak with the treating physician to update the paperwork accordingly. It's crucial to communicate any changes to all involved healthcare providers and caregivers.

7. What happens if emergency medical services (EMS) are called?

   If EMS is called to the scene, they must be immediately informed about the DNR order and shown the document. EMS personnel are trained to follow DNR orders when properly presented, which guides them in providing comfort care measures instead of initiating CPR.

8. Does a DNR order in New Mexico apply to other medical treatments?

   No, a DNR order in New Mexico specifically relates to CPR and does not apply to other medical treatments or interventions. Patients can still receive medical care for conditions unrelated to heart or respiratory failure, including pain management and other comfort care measures.

1. Not ensuring the form is signed by the appropriate parties. The New Mexico Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form requires signatures from the patient (or their legal healthcare decision maker if the patient is not capable) and the patient's physician. Failure to have these signatures can result in the DNR order being considered invalid. This is a critical step as it legally documents the patient's wishes concerning resuscitation efforts.

2. Leaving sections incomplete. Every section of the DNR form is important for accurately conveying the patient's wishes and for legal compliance. Often, people might overlook certain fields such as patient identification details, the date, or specific medical information crucial for the DNR order to be properly executed. An incomplete form may cause confusion or delay in an emergency situation.

3. Not updating the form regularly. It is essential to review and, if necessary, update the DNR order periodically. Medical decisions and preferences can evolve over time, as can the health status of the patient. An outdated form may not accurately reflect the patient's current wishes or medical needs, leading to unwanted medical interventions.

4. Failing to distribute copies of the DNR order to relevant parties. After the DNR form is completed and signed, it is paramount that copies are given to relevant parties, including family members, healthcare proxies, and the patient's primary healthcare providers. Additionally, the form or a copy should be readily available in the patient's home and with the patient if they are in a facility or hospital. If the people who need to be aware of the patient's DNR status do not have access to the document, it may not be honored in a critical moment.

When addressing healthcare decisions, especially those concerning end-of-life care, it's imperative to consider all necessary legal documents besides just the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order. The DNR is crucial for those who wish for no attempts to be made to restart their heart or breathing, but it's often just one part of a comprehensive plan. The following forms and documents frequently accompany a DNR order, providing a full spectrum of instructions for healthcare providers and ensuring the individual's wishes are respected and legally protected.

• Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy): This document lets you appoint someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so.
• Living Will: It outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where you cannot communicate your decisions. It's broader than a DNR, covering more scenarios and treatments.
• Advance Healthcare Directive: Combines a Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney. It specifies your healthcare preferences and designates an agent to speak for you.
• Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Care Directive: Similar to a DNR but specific to emergency medical services (EMS) and pre-hospital settings, indicating you decline certain life-saving treatments before reaching the hospital.
• HIPAA Release Form: Authorizes healthcare providers to share your medical information with designated individuals you have named.
• Polst Form (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment): A doctor's order that translates your wishes into medical orders, often used for seriously ill patients and is more specific than a DNR.
• Last Will and Testament: Distributes your assets and personal property upon your death, not directly related to healthcare decisions but part of end-of-life planning.
• Organ and Tissue Donation Registration: Indicates your wish to donate organs and tissues after death. It can be noted in your driver's license or a separate registration form.
• Emergency Contact Information: Not a formal legal document, but having a list of emergency contacts is crucial. It should include the contacts of your healthcare proxy, family members, and anyone else who needs to be informed in an emergency.

Together, these documents form a comprehensive plan that respects an individual's healthcare and end-of-life wishes. Each plays a unique role in ensuring that those wishes are understood and honored. The New Mexico Do Not Resuscitate Order is a critical piece of this puzzle, but it is most effective when supported by other legal documents that offer clear and detailed instructions about a person's care preferences and the designation of decision-making authority. Crafting a complete set of these documents well in advance provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones during difficult times.

The New Mexico Do Not Resuscitate Order form is similar to several other legal documents used in healthcare and end-of-life planning. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in ensuring a person's healthcare wishes are known and respected, but they serve distinct purposes and are used in different situations.

Living Will: A Living Will, much like a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they are unable to communicate their decisions due to illness or incapacity. Both documents are proactive measures to manage healthcare decisions, ensuring that treatments align with the individual's desires. However, a Living Will often covers a broader range of medical interventions and life-sustaining treatments beyond the scope of resuscitation. Understanding and drafting a Living Will helps individuals specify their preferences for various situations, not just the circumstances under which they would not want CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Healthcare Power of Attorney: Similar to a Do Not Resuscitate Order in its focus on healthcare decisions, a Healthcare Power of Attorney (HPOA) designates another person, usually a trusted family member or friend, to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual if they are unable to do so themselves. While the DNR Order specifically addresses the refusal of CPR in emergencies, an HPOA encompasses a much wider range of decisions. The designated agent in an HPOA has the authority to make decisions that align with the individual’s stated preferences, including those outlined in a Living Will or DNR, regarding all aspects of medical care. This comprehensive approach ensures that someone with a thorough understanding of the patient's values and wishes can guide their care when they cannot speak for themselves.

Advance Healthcare Directive: An Advance Healthcare Directive combines elements of both a Living Will and a Healthcare Power of Attorney. Like the New Mexico Do Not Resuscitate Order form, it is a document that expresses a person's healthcare desires, but it goes further by allowing the person to appoint a healthcare proxy or agent. This document stands as both a guide and a grant of authority, covering a broad range of medical decisions and treatments, including specific instructions about DNR orders. The advance directive ensures that individuals have a comprehensive plan that articulates their healthcare preferences and designates someone to carry those out, making it a crucial part of healthcare planning.

When filling out the New Mexico Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order form, it's important to approach the task with care and attention to detail. The following list outlines several do's and don'ts to consider:

• Do ensure that the person for whom the DNR order is intended, or their legal representative, is the one completing or giving consent for the form. This ensures that the form carries legal weight and reflects the wishes of the individual it concerns.
• Do consult with a healthcare provider to fully understand the implications of a DNR order. A healthcare provider can offer guidance and answer any questions about how a DNR order functions in a medical emergency.
• Do fill out the form completely, making sure every required section is answered accurately. Incomplete forms might not be recognized or could lead to misunderstandings about the person’s wishes.
• Do use clear, legible handwriting if the form is filled out by hand. This prevents any confusion or misinterpretation by medical responders or healthcare professionals.
• Don't forget to sign and date the form as required. The signature, along with the date, is essential for the DNR order to be legally binding.
• Don't overlook the need for a witness or healthcare professional's signature, if this is required by state law. The witness or healthcare professional’s signature verifies the authenticity and intention behind the DNR order.
• Don't keep the DNR order in a place where it can't be easily found in an emergency. It should be kept in a well-known and accessible location, and family members, close contacts, and healthcare providers should be informed of where it is.

When it comes to Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders in New Mexico, there's a lot of confusion. Let's clear up some common misconceptions.

• Misconception #1: Anyone can create a DNR order for themselves at any time. Reality: In New Mexico, individuals must meet specific criteria and go through a formal process to have a DNR order placed. It generally involves consultation with a healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with the patient's health status and wishes.

• Misconception #2: A DNR order means you won’t receive any medical treatment. Reality: This is not true. A DNR order only indicates that CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) will not be performed in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. Other forms of medical care will still be provided unless specified otherwise in an advanced healthcare directive.

• Misconception #3: DNR orders are only for the elderly. Reality: DNR orders are not limited by age. They are available to anyone with a serious illness or condition where CPR would not be beneficial or desired.

• Misconception #4: If you have a DNR order, emergency services won’t respond to your calls. Reality: Emergency personnel will still respond to calls. The DNR order specifically guides them not to perform CPR, but they will provide all other necessary emergency care.

• Misconception #5: A DNR order can’t be changed once it’s been established. Reality: DNR orders can indeed be revoked or modified at any time by the person it concerns, as long as they are still legally competent, or by their legally recognized healthcare decision-maker if they are not.

• Misconception #6: All hospital staff are immediately aware of a patient’s DNR status. Reality: Upon admission to a hospital, a DNR order should be communicated to all relevant healthcare staff. However, it’s crucial to have clear and visible documentation, such as a bracelet or a physical copy of the DNR order, to ensure that the order is followed correctly.

• Misconception #7: DNR orders are the same in every state. Reality: DNR orders vary by state. The process for obtaining a DNR order, its recognition, and specific rules can differ widely. In New Mexico, it’s important to follow state-specific guidelines to ensure the order is legally valid and recognized by healthcare providers.

In New Mexico, like in many states, a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) is a crucial document for individuals seeking to express their wishes about not receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event their heart stops or they stop breathing. The document must be properly filled out and understood to ensure that an individual's healthcare preferences are respected. Here are eight key takeaways about filling out and using the New Mexico Do Not Resuscitate Order form:

• The importance of clear communication: Before filling out a DNR form, it is essential that individuals discuss their wishes with their healthcare provider. This conversation should cover the individual's healthcare goals, values, and preferences regarding end-of-life care.
• Completion by a healthcare professional: In New Mexico, a DNR order must be filled out by a licensed healthcare professional. This ensures that the document is accurately completed in accordance with the individual’s health status and wishes.
• Signature requirements: The DNR form requires the signature of the individual (or their legally authorized representative) and the attending healthcare provider. These signatures serve as a formal acknowledgment of the individual's decision not to receive CPR.
• Review and updates: It is important for individuals to review their DNR orders periodically, especially after a significant change in their health status. Updates may require a new form to be completed and signed.
• Accessibility: Once completed, the DNR order should be kept in a location where it can be easily accessed by first responders and healthcare professionals, such as with the individual's other important medical documents.
• Informing family members and caregivers: Individuals are encouraged to inform their family members, close friends, and caregivers of their DNR status. This ensures that their wishes are understood and respected by all who may be involved in their care.
• Legal status: The New Mexico DNR order is legally binding. This means that healthcare providers and emergency personnel must follow the order once it is properly completed and available.
• Integration with other advance directives: A DNR order is just one part of a broader advance care planning process. Individuals may also consider other advance directives, such as a healthcare power of attorney or a living will, to further detail their healthcare wishes.

Understanding and properly completing the New Mexico Do Not Resuscitate Order form is a significant step in ensuring that an individual's healthcare preferences are honored. Proper discussion, documentation, and communication of these wishes can provide peace of mind to individuals and their loved ones.