---
title: "What Is Do not resuscitate order? Home Care Glossary"
description: "A do not resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical order that tells health care professionals not to perform CPR if a person's heart or breathing stops. A..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/do-not-resuscitate-order/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Legal and planning

# Do not resuscitate order (DNR)

A do not resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical order that tells health care professionals not to perform CPR if a person's heart or breathing stops. A doctor writes it, usually after talking with the patient or their representative. Rules and forms vary by state.

## Why it matters for your family

A DNR covers one decision: CPR. It does not mean stop all care. A person with a DNR can still get medicine, comfort care and other treatment. Families often assume a living will is enough. In an emergency at home, paramedics may need a specific order or state form. Maryland's MOLST page, for example, says medics must attempt resuscitation if the form lacks a DNR order. Ask the doctor which document your state uses, and keep it where responders can find it. Tell home caregivers where it is. HomeCare.com caregivers are non-medical and do not make this decision. This is general information, not legal advice.

Source: [marylandmolst.org](https://marylandmolst.org/)

[Read more: Home care questions and answers](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/faq/)

## Related terms

-   [**Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)**POLST is a portable medical order for seriously ill people.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/physician-orders-for-life-sustaining-treatment/)
-   [**Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)**MOLST is a medical order form used in some states, such as New York and Maryland.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/medical-orders-for-life-sustaining-treatment/)
-   [**Advance directive**An advance directive is a legal document that states your health care wishes in case you cannot decide for yourself.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/advance-directive/)
-   [**Living will**A living will is a legal document that tells doctors how you want to be treated if you cannot make your own decisions about emergency treatment.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/living-will/)
-   [**Advance care planning**Advance care planning is the process of thinking about and sharing your wishes for future medical care.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/advance-care-planning/)
-   [**Healthcare proxy**A healthcare proxy is a person you name to make medical decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/healthcare-proxy/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

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