By Kim Boyer
Certified Elder Law Attorney
A DNR Order is an order entered by a physician that a patient not be resuscitated. While a patient is in a health care facility, the DNR order will apply, so long as the patient’s medical record with the DNR order documented is available. This order applies when the patient is being transferred from one health care facility to another health care facility and at the new facility, so long as the patient’s medical record with the DNR order documented is available.
Emergency personnel will not recognize a living will or durable power of attorney for health. They are required by law to resuscitate in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest unless presented with a DNR identification card issued in Nevada or a DNR bracelet issued by another state.
If a patient is at home and does not want to be resuscitated, they should submit a DNR Identification Application to the Clark County Health District. The application must be signed by a physician certifying that the patient has a terminal condition. The patient or his or her agent must also sign the application. After receipt of the signed application, the Health District will then issue a salmon-colored DNR identification card.
To obtain a DNR application, you may call our office or call Clark County Health District at 702-383-1381.
