RE: DNR orders

[Connie L. Frank]

I realize it is no help now, but this is exactly why we review quarterly and anticipate with condition changes. We do ongoing teaching until we are convinced that the decision maker is clear on all aspects of the procedure, complications and potential outcome. Thus they have made an “informed” decision.   I presume the individual of which you speak is not competent to speak for herself. Do you have a legal process in New York to name her incompetent and have an activated POA/gdn appointed? I would have to send her out as soon as decline is indicated to prevent potential complications from occurring. In the meantime keep contacting government agents and family members  to get some action(?). In the future can you initiate a process in the early stages to prevent a repeat?   Sorry I guess I’m not much help right now as I only know the Wisconsin system.   -----Original Message----- From: Faye Jones [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2004 7:03 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: DNR orders   I am in New York State.  We have residents from the NYS mental health system who when admitted stated they wanted CPR and it was so documented.  Unfortunately for some of them we were unable to process a Health Care Proxy at that time due to lack of persons the resident could name as agent.  As time has passed they have aged, become ill and we are unable to obtain a DNR order due to their previously documented wishes.  How do other facilities handle these situations?  I know some facilities have ethics committees.  I would appreciate any comments, information, references that might help us figure out what to do.  We are currently anguishing over a lovely lady for who repeated hospitalizations, CPR etc would be so unfair and we just don’t know where to go with it.  MY DON and administrator say we can’t do anything but I am having a problem with that and am hoping.  Thanx in advance.   Faye.