What are my options for DNR orders?
There are three different kinds of DNR orders available at Cleveland Clinic hospitals. The first two options are based on the state-approved DNR Comfort Care orders:
1) DNR Comfort Care
DNR Comfort Care orders (DNRCC) require that only comfort care be administered before, during, or after the time a person’s heart or breathing stops. This type of order is generally regarded as proper for a patient with a terminal illness, short life expectancy, or with little chance of surviving CPR.
2) DNR Comfort Care-Arrest
DNR Comfort Care-Arrest orders (DNRCC-Arrest) permit the use of life-saving measures (such as powerful heart or blood pressure medications) before a person’s heart or breathing stops. However, only comfort care may be provided after a person’s heart or breathing stops.
3) DNR Specified
Valid only at Cleveland Clinic hospitals, DNR Specified orders are uniquely tailored by your physician. They may permit the use of some CPR treatment methods (such as powerful medications) while possibly prohibiting other methods (such as electric shock).
All three options are available to you if you are hospitalized in a Cleveland Clinic hospital. The first two types of DNR orders can be changed to outpatient DNR orders when you leave the hospital. If you are an outpatient, the first two types of DNR orders can be written for you, but not the third type.
If you are considering having a DNR order written, you should discuss these options with your physician to determine which DNR order might be best for you, given your medical condition.