DNR

Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3701-62 creates standard, statewide rules pertaining to Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. The rules were first enacted in 1999 and are authorized by Ohio Revised Code Sections 2133.21 through 2133.26.

A person, in consultation with a physician, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), or physician assistant (PA) may have a DNR order completed. There are currently two types of DNR orders: 1) "DNR Comfort Care," and 2) "DNR Comfort Care - Arrest." Upon the issuance of either order, standard forms of identification are provided for in OAC rule 3701-62-04. Individual's may use the DNR Order form as identification, a necklace, a bracelet, a wallet card, or a hospital type bracelet. All of these items must contain the DNR Comfort Care logo and the patient's name.

If a person has either type of DNR order, there is a standard protocol for treatment found in OAC rule 3701-62-05. For a patient with a "DNR Comfort Care" order, the DNR protocol is activated when the DNR order is issued. For a patient with a "DNR Comfort Care - Arrest" order, the protocol is activated when the patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. For more information, please view the DNR FAQs.

The death of a patient resulting from the withholding or withdrawal of CPR for the person pursuant to the DNR protocol does not constitute for any purpose a suicide, aggravated murder, murder, or any other homicide.

ODH distributes information only about the DNR order form, DNR protocol, and authorized DNR identification. Medical questions should be addressed to your own physician or to the Ohio State Medical Board. Legal questions should be addressed to your own attorney.

Updates to the Ohio DNR form and Rules

A new State of Ohio DNR order form is effective as of September 1, 2019. The form is one page and includes the DNRCC and DNRCC-Arrest choices, the DNR Protocol, and information regarding the protections provided to health care providers, and instructions.

All existing DNR order forms will continue to be honored and are valid until revoked by the individual.  We ask that individuals and health care providers please use the newly revised form starting Sunday, September 1, 2019.

Important revisions have been made to the rules to provide clarification of the order of precedence of the DNR with the Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney, that a copy of the DNR order form or authorized DNR identification must accompany individuals when they are transported or transferred between facilities and services, and what actions 'will' and 'will not' be taken by providers in the DNR Protocol.

DNR Education 

To learn more about the DNR, what it is, how to obtain one, and what medical care you will or will not receive when you have a DNR, please view our DNR Education for the Public Power Point.

Contact:

Mailing Address:

Ohio Department of Health

Bureau of Regulatory Operations

Do Not Resuscitate Program

246 North High Street

Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone: (614) 466-3975

E-mail: DNR@odh.ohio.gov