FEATURE FEATURE An analysis of Out-of-Hospital Non-resuscitation (DNR) Statute T by Marie Feindt, Esquire he law defining a non-hospitalized patient's desire to not be resuscitated in the event of life-threatening medical emergency is clearly spelled out. The law does require that patients who may have a terminal illness and an expectation that their life will end must make their wishes known to their healthcare surrogate (a person who is chosen to make health care decisions for them). Patients can obtain a bracelet or necklace and wear them to notify emergency medical providers of their wishes to not be resuscitated. Patients who desire this "DNR" status should also sign an "outof-hospital DNR order" and keep the document in a safe place with other important documents. The bracelets and necklaces direct emergency service providers to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of respiratory or cardiac arrest. Only the patient or his or her healthcare surrogate can revoke a patient's DNR status by destroying or discarding the bracelet and the DNR order. Other state's orders can be recognized in Pennsylvania, as long as these out-of-state orders are consistent with the laws in Pennsylvania. Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel who act in good faith and provide care in accordance with their levels of certification are entitled to protection under the law. Pennsylvania Health Care Power of Attorney In Pennsylvania, a patient can write a health care power of attorney, a living will or a combination of both the health care power of attorney and a living will. In this document, a patient appoints a trusted representative with the authority to make health care decisions for him or her, either during a temporary incapacity or a permanent incapacity. 16 DELAWARE COUNTY MEDICINE & HEALTH winter 2017