In the past when a person did not want to be revived after a heart attack or when they had stopped breathing they would inform their physician of their decision. A note would then be placed into the patient’s medical chart. This was an informal notice, normally printed on red paper, that served to notify other caregivers.

These type of documents did not have the force of law. Now a law has been passed in Illinois which authorizes a special form. This can be used to tell hospital staff and other care givers of the patient’s wishes that they not be revived in certain situations.

The “Do Not Resuscitate Order” is a formal one page document, printed on bright orange paper, that memorializes the wishes of a patient regarding cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This new option is not in wide use yet. It could prove to be usefull when the agent under a Power of Attorney for Healthcare is not close by when end of life decisions must be made. Time will tell whether it gains wide acceptance.

At this time, we do not recommend the use of these new documents. We do not yet have a history of whether they will be honored or of how they will be used.

A much better system is to tell your family what you wish them to do when the time comes. Name one of them as your agent in a Power of Attorney for Health Care.  Let your agent talk with the doctors and make sure they understand what you want.

Contact me.

My office phone is (773) 905-1193

My office is located at 9924 S. Walden Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60643

You can contact me by e-mail at: tom@mytrustlawyer.com