There is a difference between a DNRO and a DNR -
What is a DNRO? How is it different from a DNR, advance directive, or POLST?
A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) (form DH 1896) is a one-page, easily-identifiable form
developed by the Florida Department of Health pursuant to section 401.45, Florida Statutes,
and adopted by rule. The DNRO is only intended to identify a patient whose health care
provider has directed paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) not to
resuscitate the patient in the event of respiratory or cardiac arrest.
The DNRO is different from Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) directions, advance directives, and
Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST). A DNR, advance directive, or
POLST is any written direction from a health care provider to all other providers who treat
the patient. A DNR, advance directive, or POLST often includes a combination of directions
for when to administer or withhold treatments and procedures for end-of-life, chronic, and
terminal illness care. Hospital, facility, and hospice personnel may review the DNR, advance
directive, or POLST together with the patient’s other medical records to provide appropriate
care.
The DNRO is a specific, limited direction to paramedics and EMTs only. Paramedics and
EMTs are not required to review and interpret any other type of DNR, advance directive, or
POLST document. A DNRO and any copies of the DNRO must be printed with a full-page
yellow background or be printed on yellow paper, or they will not be valid. Any shade of
yellow is acceptable.
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