No dnr

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If a patient is admitted to hospice but does not have a dnr and they are actively dying in front of you what do you do? I answered I'd call 911 and start CPR because by not signing a dnr patient is saying they want to be resuscitated. I was told that was wrong answer and we stay with the pt and make them comfortable until they die. I understand that's the meaning of hospice but what about our licenses? Doesn't not performing CPR on a patient without a dnr in place have legal reprocussions?

Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
In Ohio, Michigan, and Alaska there is no "presumed" DNR. They either have legal DNR documentation or they do not. DNR status is not required for hospice services. Hospice does not force people to sign DNR paperwork.

If the patient is a full code we start CPR when appropriate.

And this his is the rule per CMS guidelines and the condition of participation to be a hospice company. No one loses their right to choose. In the perfect world, it is hospices responsibility to educate on the disease process/prognosis as well as the intent and ramifications of CPR. When the stars align, the pt and/or family gets it before it's too late.

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