Table of Contents
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) vs. Living Will: What’s the Difference?
- 1. What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order?
- Key Features of a DNR Order
- Where is a DNR Order Used?
- 2. What is a Living Will?
- Key Features of a Living Will
- Where is a Living Will Used?
- 3. Key Differences Between a DNR Order & a Living Will
- 4. Do You Need Both a DNR and a Living Will?
- When You Need a DNR
- When You Need a Living Will
- 5. How to Get a DNR or Living Will
- Creating a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
- Creating a Living Will
- 6. Final Thoughts: Which Document is Right for You?
Ready to Publish
Ready to Publish
Author
OG Image (1200x630)
Excerpt
Navigating end-of-life care decisions can be complex, especially when distinguishing between a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order and a Living Will. This blog post outlines the critical differences between these two legal documents, helping you make informed choices about your healthcare preferences. For personalized assistance, consider consulting an attorney near you to ensure your wishes are clearly documented.
Meta Description
This blog post explores the differences between a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order and a Living Will, outlining their purposes, key features, and when to use each document. Ensure your healthcare wishes are respected by understanding these essential legal tools; consult an attorney near you to help you create these important documents.
Slug
estate-planning-probate-guide/end-of-life-planning-healthcare-directives-guide/do-not-resuscitate-dnr-living-will-difference
Alt Image Text
Flat vector illustration of a doctor discussing DNR order and Living Will documents with a patient and family member in a hospital setting.
Related Posts
Global Tags
Sub-item
Hide in Main Feed
Hide in Main Feed
Post Id
1444
Updated
Mar 27, 2025 11:49 PM
Featured
Featured
Hide CTA
Hide CTA
Hide Cover
Hide Cover
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) vs. Living Will: What’s the Difference?
When planning for medical emergencies and end-of-life care, many people hear about Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and Living Wills—but these documents serve different purposes. Understanding the key differences can help ensure your healthcare wishes are followed and that your loved ones and doctors make the right decisions on your behalf.
This guide explains what a DNR order and a Living Will are, how they work, and when you might need one or both.
💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”
1. What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order?
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical order that tells healthcare providers not to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if your heart stops or you stop breathing. It applies only in situations of cardiac or respiratory arrest and does not affect other medical treatments.
Key Features of a DNR Order
- Prevents CPR, defibrillation, or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) in case of cardiac arrest.
- Issued by a doctor and must be included in your medical records.
- Does not affect other treatments such as pain management, antibiotics, or feeding tubes.
- Often used for individuals with terminal illnesses, severe frailty, or poor quality of life expectations.
💡 A DNR does not mean “Do Not Treat.” It only applies to resuscitation efforts.
Where is a DNR Order Used?
- Hospitals & Nursing Homes – Medical staff will follow the DNR order if cardiac arrest occurs.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – If you want paramedics to honor your DNR, you may need an out-of-hospital DNR or Portable DNR.
- At Home – A clearly visible DNR order (e.g., on a fridge or medical bracelet) ensures paramedics follow it.
2. What is a Living Will?
A Living Will is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you become incapacitated or unable to communicate. It covers a broader range of healthcare decisions beyond just resuscitation, including ventilators, feeding tubes, and life-support measures.
Key Features of a Living Will
- Specifies your wishes for life-sustaining treatments (e.g., ventilators, feeding tubes, dialysis).
- Takes effect when you are permanently unconscious, in a coma, or terminally ill.
- Allows you to accept or refuse artificial nutrition, hydration, and pain management.
- Helps family members and doctors make clear, informed decisions about your care.
💡 A Living Will is often part of an Advance Directive, which may also include a Healthcare Power of Attorney for appointing a medical decision-maker.
Where is a Living Will Used?
- Hospitals & Long-Term Care Facilities – Guides doctors on whether to provide life-sustaining interventions.
- Hospice & Palliative Care – Ensures your comfort preferences are followed.
- Legal & Family Planning – Helps loved ones understand your treatment preferences in serious medical situations.
3. Key Differences Between a DNR Order & a Living Will
Feature | Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) | Living Will |
Purpose | Prevents CPR in case of cardiac arrest | Specifies overall life-support & medical treatment preferences |
Who Issues It? | Doctor or healthcare provider | Individual (you) |
When Does It Take Effect? | Only when heart or breathing stops | When you are unconscious, in a coma, or terminally ill |
Covers CPR? | Yes (specifically prevents it) | May include instructions on CPR, but not limited to it |
Covers Ventilators & Feeding Tubes? | No | Yes |
Legally Binding? | Yes, when signed by a doctor | Yes, when properly executed per state laws |
Used in Hospitals? | Yes | Yes |
Used by EMS? | Yes (if a portable DNR is provided) | No (EMS usually follows emergency protocol unless a DNR exists) |
Affects Other Treatments? | No (pain relief & non-CPR treatments still allowed) | Yes (can specify what life-sustaining treatments to refuse) |
💡 A DNR is a medical order focused on CPR, while a Living Will is a legal document covering broader end-of-life care preferences.
4. Do You Need Both a DNR and a Living Will?
In many cases, having both documents provides the most comprehensive protection for your medical preferences.
When You Need a DNR
- You have a terminal illness and do not want CPR in case of cardiac arrest.
- You are elderly or frail, and CPR would likely cause more harm than good.
- You have advanced-stage disease (e.g., late-stage cancer, ALS, or severe heart failure).
- You prefer to focus on comfort care rather than aggressive life-saving interventions.
💡 A DNR ensures doctors and EMTs do not perform CPR, even if emergency services are called.
When You Need a Living Will
- You want to specify which life-sustaining treatments you do or do not want.
- You want to clarify your preferences for ventilators, feeding tubes, and dialysis.
- You want to relieve your family of the burden of making end-of-life decisions.
- You have strong personal or religious beliefs regarding medical care.
💡 A Living Will ensures that a wide range of medical decisions reflect your values and desires—not just CPR.
5. How to Get a DNR or Living Will
Creating a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
- Talk to your doctor – They must issue and sign the DNR order.
- Complete state-specific forms – Some states require specific DNR forms to be valid.
- Make it visible – Post it at home, carry a DNR card, or wear a medical bracelet.
- Notify family & caregivers – Ensure loved ones and medical providers know about your DNR.
💡 Ask your doctor if you need a Portable DNR (out-of-hospital DNR) for emergencies at home or in public.
Creating a Living Will
- Download an official Living Will form – Available from your state’s government website or an estate planning attorney.
- Specify your treatment preferences – Be clear about life-support measures, pain management, and organ donation.
- Sign it according to state law – Some states require witnesses or notarization.
- Distribute copies – Give copies to your doctor, hospital, healthcare proxy, and trusted family members.
- Review & update as needed – Adjust your Living Will if your medical wishes change.
💡 Many states allow you to register your Living Will & Advance Directive online for easy hospital access.
6. Final Thoughts: Which Document is Right for You?
If you ONLY want to refuse CPR in case of cardiac arrest: Get a DNR Order.
If you want to specify your end-of-life care preferences: Create a Living Will.
For full medical protection, have both a DNR and a Living Will.
Take action today to ensure your medical wishes are honored. Consult your doctor, estate planner, or healthcare provider to create these important documents and protect your future healthcare decisions.
Written by
