Can I get a Do Not Resuscitate order on an elderly parent without their permission?
Can I get a Do Not Resuscitate order on an elderly parent without their permission?
user
No, you cannot get a Do Not Resuscitate order on an elderly parent without their permission. Unplugging the machines and instructing healthcare personnel to not perform CPR if heart or breathing stops is also not possible without the explicit consent of the patient. Additionally, any documentation related to this instruction must be done according to legal standards and under the advice of a qualified doctor.
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Can I get a Do Not Resuscitate order on an elderly parent without their permission?
user
Generally, you do need permission from an elderly parent to get a Do Not Resuscitate order. The decision to resuscitate is an important one, and your parent should have the opportunity to be involved in that conversation. In some cases, however, it may be possible to petition the court for a DNR order without your parent's consent. This is known as "proxy" or "surrogate" decision-making and requires proof that your parent is unable or unwilling to make their own decisions regarding medical treatment due to mental incompetency or cognitive decline. You should consult with an experienced elder law attorney if you are considering pursuing this path.
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