What is a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Directive?
A Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Directive is a legal document that gives specific instructions to medical professionals about whether or not you want to be resuscitated, or if you want to receive treatment to keep you alive. A DNR is typically associated with other end of life agreements such as a living will and a durable power of attorney.
The DNR directive may be used in situations where a person has been diagnosed with a terminal illness or condition, and may not survive without the use of life support systems. The DNR directive can also be used for people who are dying from an incurable condition like dementia, but have not been diagnosed as being terminal yet.
A DNR directive does not apply to situations where someone is unconscious or unable to communicate their wishes about receiving medical treatment. In these cases, doctors will do what they think is best for their patient based on their training and experience.
