April 29, 2025

What is the Difference Between a DNR and a Living Will

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media

April 29, 2025

GULF SHORES Ala. There are some subjects that are harder to discuss than others especially in matters of the heart or in life and death. But preparing for the inevitable will often help a loved one know what they should or should not do and what the wishes of their loved one are.

One of these is called a DNR, which is a legal document that an individual has completed and has notarized which discloses what the wishes of the person are in times of certain medical emergencies such as a heart attack or a major injury that is survivable.

This legal document directs medical personnel as to whether they should take all steps to sustain life or not intervene at all.

During a cardiac or respiratory arrest, a DNR becomes a medical order or directive that advises healthcare professionals not to conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the patient. Patients with terminal illnesses, poor prognoses, or those who have made it obvious they want to forgo aggressive life-saving treatments sometimes have DNR orders placed.
A DNR order is intended to respect the patient’s wishes and deliver treatment consistent with their beliefs and preferences, emphasizing comfort and quality of life more than procedures that might prolong the patient’s life.

There are certain factors regarding a DNR that your family needs to know:

In many jurisdictions, a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order doesn’t always require notarization, but it’s crucial to check the specific requirements of the state or region where the DNR will be used. While some states might accept witnessed signatures or physician endorsements, others may require notarization for it to be legally binding.
To ensure your DNR order is legally sound, it’s best to consult the specific state health department guidelines or seek legal advice to understand the requirements in your area.

A DNR must be physically present during an emergency and be presented to EMS personnel immediately upon their arrival. If it is not available, EMS has a duty to sustain life and to take all efforts to do so.
A verbal confirmation by a family member is usually not sufficient in most states.

Some families have included a Living Will to provide guidance and binding directives that especially cover end-of-life medical emergencies and illness.

The key difference between a living will and DNR, comes down to what’s included in the documentation.
A DNR carries the specific and sole purpose of informing medical care providers about whether or not the person wishes to be resuscitated.

A Living Will, in contrast, is a legal document that covers a wide range of specifications around end-of-life care and planning. For instance, you can give instructions about treatments you wish or do not wish to receive if you become terminally ill or vegetative. You can also express in what conditions any treatments should be stopped. Living Wills go into effect when you become incapacitated and are unable to communicate your wishes.

Absolutely anyone can benefit from a Living Will, no matter their stage in life. It can provide peace of mind knowing that if anything were to happen, your wishes for medical care would be known.

These are uncomfortable conversations to have but they are necessary. Having these documents in place can give a loved one clarity and peace of mind, instead of second guessing themselves and having feelings of guilt.