All patients (in the state of California) who do not want resuscitation
at home should complete a CMA DNR form. (Can be ordered from the CMA
website through their bookstore CMA
End-of-Life Bookstore Page. This form, which requires the signature
of a physician and the patient (or designated surrogate) (no witnesses
or notaries needed). It is best kept in a vial (often called the “vial
of life” in the refrigerator door, a place where most paramedics
know to look.
It is worth considering — how often do you have inpatients who
have had a DNR status while in the hospital who you discharge without this
form? Effectively, all such patients become FULL CODE patients,
regardless of their wishes (if 911 is called) - unless they have this
form. This form should be available on all wards and in all clinics.
