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Do Not Resuscitate Orders (DNR)
Under New York law, a DNR Order is a written order by the doctor that instructs medical
professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to restart your heart
or lungs when your heartbeat or breathing stops.
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This means that doctors, nurses, or
emergency personnel (i.e. paramedics) will not initiate emergency procedures such as
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, external chest compression, electric shock, insertion of
tube to open your airway, or injection of medication into your heart or open chest. You
can make your Hospital DNR wishes known in your health care proxy, living will or a state
approved MOLST form.
In New York, any adult 18 years or older can get a Hospital or a Non-Hospital DNR Order. A
Hospital DNR Order is issued if you are in a health care facility such as a hospital, nursing
home, or a mental hygiene facility licensed by New York State. Emergency personnel (EMS)
must honor your Hospital DNR Order during transfer. But, if you are outside any of these
facilities, at home, for example, you may want to get a Non-Hospital DNR Order. Your Non-
Hospital DNR order must be recorded on a state specific form [DOH- 3474] and signed by
a doctor.
Giving Consent to a DNR Order
If you have capacity to make decisions for yourself, you can give your consent to a DNR
Order verbally or in writing. If you lack capacity to make decisions for yourself, your health
care agent can consent on your behalf.
Checklist for a Valid Hospital DNR Order:
• You, your health care agent or a surrogate may give written or verbal consent to your
Hospital DNR order.
• Verbal consent must be witnessed by two adults, one of whom must be a doctor in
the facility where you are admitted.
• Written consent must be signed by two adult witnesses.
• Your doctor can issue your DNR Order. New York State does not require your written
or verbal consent to be recorded on a state form. Facilities may use their own forms or
the state specified MOLST form.
/ Advanced Directives