Which statement about verbal DNR orders is true?

Which statement about verbal DNR orders is true?

• A. Verbal DNRs are valid only if made by a competent patient or authorized surrogate.
• B. Verbal DNRs are valid regardless of who states them.
• C. Verbal DNRs require two witnesses.
• D. Verbal DNRs are never valid.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that who can validly issue a DNR depends on decision-making authority and capacity. A patient who is competent may choose not to be resuscitated and express that preference as a DNR. If the patient isn’t able to decide, a legally authorized surrogate (like a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare) may voice the patient’s wishes. A verbal DNR from someone who isn’t the patient and isn’t an authorized surrogate isn’t legally binding in most settings. Because of this, verbal DNRs are considered valid only when they come from a competent patient or an authorized surrogate. In practice, clinicians typically memorialize the decision with a written order signed by a physician to ensure clarity and enforceability, even if the initial request was verbal. This explains why the statement is correct and why alternatives—being valid regardless of who states it, requiring two witnesses, or never being valid—don’t align with standard practice.

The key idea is that who can validly issue a DNR depends on decision-making authority and capacity. A patient who is competent may choose not to be resuscitated and express that preference as a DNR. If the patient isn’t able to decide, a legally authorized surrogate (like a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare) may voice the patient’s wishes. A verbal DNR from someone who isn’t the patient and isn’t an authorized surrogate isn’t legally binding in most settings. Because of this, verbal DNRs are considered valid only when they come from a competent patient or an authorized surrogate. In practice, clinicians typically memorialize the decision with a written order signed by a physician to ensure clarity and enforceability, even if the initial request was verbal. This explains why the statement is correct and why alternatives—being valid regardless of who states it, requiring two witnesses, or never being valid—don’t align with standard practice.