who should sign DNR for teenager?

[patpat]

Could anybody answer my questions below?

who should sign DNR for teenager?

Thanks!

[nightmare, RN]

I think you will need to elaborate more on this question before anyone can answer it.

[patpat]

Are they be able to sign for themselves or has to be their parents?

Thanks!

[patpat]

Thanks, nightmare.

This is a question my friend ask me. She is preparing for her NCLEX exam. I don't know how to answer.

[hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN]

Like nightmare said, more details are needed. Additionally, the rights of minors with regard to medical decisions varies state to state.

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

Tell your friend to go look up "emancipated minor" -- that should help her find the answer.

[nightmare, RN]

I'm kinda thinking that if the teenager was not able to sign for themself then it has to be next of kin,whoever that is.

[patpat]

thanks for all!

[FLArn]

The teenager could sign for him/herself if emancipated or is 18 or older. Otherwise, a parent or guardian would have to sign. Of course the hard part of this is finding a doc who would honor the DNR - can't imagine a circumstance other than terminal disease and the teen would probably have to be death imminent before the doc would even consider honoring a DNR for a teen.

[woody62, RN]

There is no simple answer to the question. Even if the minor is emancipated, most physicians and hospital administrators would not accept a request. At the very minimum, two or more psych evaluations. And if parents appear, it would be a hard row and a court battle.

Woody:twocents:

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

Typically a DNR is an order from a physician. Now and advance directive or living will is typically created by the pt or their legal representative. As the others have stated generally each state has their own laws and rules. What may go in one may not in another.

Rj

[lpnflorida]

Emancipation in the state of Wi is 16,