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Every state had different paperwork, and even rules. If I move but fail to update my Legitimate DNR info for the current state of residence, will it be respected? What if I am visiting another state?

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A few years back the state of NJ changed their simple little form to one that reads like a living will. Each facility Mom entered I took a copy of the new DNR, the original being signed by her PCP. At each facility they had me sign their own DNR with the attending Drs signature.
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NeedHelpWithMom May 2023
JoAnn,

When my mom went to rehab in the NH she had a DNR. They also spoke to me about POLST as well. It’s been awhile back now. I can’t remember what it was exactly.

Do you know what the difference is between POLST and DNR?

I remember filling out lots of paperwork at the NH with mom.

If anyone else has an opinion about the difference and what they think is best please comment on it.

Thanks.
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https://polst.org/form-patients/

POLST is DNR plus more and has to be signed by medical personnel. Some states have a POLST registry that can be accessed so first responders know what to do. A DNR is a single event form; POLST more comprehensive.
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NeedHelpWithMom May 2023
Thanks for explaining this. My mom died in 2021 and I couldn’t remember what the NH told me about it.
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When it is created by your attorney, make sure that it has the wording, "this document is intended to be valid in any jurisdiction it is presented". That's how all of our end of life documents read including our POAs. This should alleviate any issues.

However, you must have the actual document with you at all times or they will do everything possible to keep you alive. Had this happen to some friends, it meant she had to pull the plug instead of him just dying during the fatal heart attack and the hospital bill to go with the futile care.
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https://forum.ashrm.org/2018/05/23/is-universal-national-dnr-possible/

After reading this article, I think the answer is: even if you're visiting from out-of-state, you may be out of luck in getting your wishes followed.

Recently, my elderly Aunt with dementia went into a FL rehab facility for a broken hip. Even though she had a DNR written and completed by a FL attorney (where she lived since 1975), the facility made me, her MPoA, create a new one which had her actual doctor's signature on it. This was very surprising to me. I think a general DNR may only matter to an EMT, but now I'm second-guessing this.
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Make sure you have a trusted person as a medical POA who has their copy of the paperwork close at hand should they get a call, along with your own notarized copy of it including the contact information for that person.
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Look at it this way. CPR may be given but depending on the condition may not be successful.. There have been many times that CPR is started because the patient was not carrying the paper or it was misplaced. In the end, once hospitalized, communication will help appen with family and stopping life support can be done
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Isthisrealyreal May 2023
Mac, not trying to contradict you but, this is not what happens. They must actually see the document to DNR. Once they hook someone up, it's pull the plug only after they see the DNR and only at the request of the authorized person.

My dear friend had a horrible experience with her husband and she was his POA and legal next of kin and was present, she couldn't stop the heroic actions. She could unplug him once her children sent the documents.
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Isthisreallyreal, that is what I wrote. The document needs to be shown.
Just to add, when I moved my mom from MA to SC, and I needed reciprocity to change over my guardianship, my attorney mentioned that a doctor in MA who does not practice in SC, leaves a questionable DNR that might not be accepted. Once she was in a SC practice, was not a stretch to get a new one.
They did have a law in SC that I needed certification from MA probate over my POA. That was kind of nerve racking that I had to send her document through the postal service and back hoping it would reach its destination
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Isthisrealyreal May 2023
My bad MAC, I misread what you wrote. I thought you were saying a conversation with family would change giving CPR.
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