Los Angeles DNR Orders: Align Them With Your Will Today

What a DNR Order Is—and Is Not

In California, a DNR is a medical order directing healthcare professionals not to perform CPR when breathing or heartbeat stops. It is designed for emergencies and clinical settings. A DNR is not a will, trust, or general instruction about other treatments—it focuses specifically on CPR. California recognizes a standardized Prehospital DNR form and allows DNR preferences to be incorporated into a Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form. See the California Emergency Medical Services Authority’s guidance on the Prehospital DNR form (EMSA) and the California POLST resource (CA POLST).

DNR vs. Will vs. Advance Health Care Directive

• Will: Controls distribution of property after death; it does not guide your medical care while you are alive.
• Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD): Lets you name a healthcare agent and express broader treatment preferences, including end-of-life care. Clinicians may consult it, but it is not a medical order on its own. See the California Attorney General’s overview of AHCDs (CA AG).
• DNR/POLST: A clinician-signed medical order that first responders and hospital staff follow during emergencies. For clarity in Los Angeles emergency settings, a readily identifiable DNR or POLST is critical (see EMSA and CA POLST).

Using the California POLST to Capture DNR Preferences

The California POLST can document preferences about CPR, levels of medical intervention (for example, comfort-focused care versus hospitalization), and artificial nutrition. If you decline CPR on the POLST, it operates as a DNR instruction during emergencies. In California, a POLST must be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, and also by the patient or their legally recognized health care decision maker. See CA POLST for details.

Aligning Your DNR With Your Overall Estate Plan

• Keep roles consistent: Name the same person as your healthcare agent in your AHCD and as your primary contact for medical orders.
• Mirror your preferences: Ensure your AHCD expresses the same goals of care as your DNR/POLST to avoid confusion.
• Coordinate with your will and trust: While these documents don’t govern medical care, your fiduciaries should know who your healthcare agent is and where your medical orders are stored.
• Update after major life events: Revisit your documents after a new diagnosis, a move, marriage, divorce, or a change in your preferred agent.
• Communicate: Talk with family, caregivers, and your healthcare team so they understand your wishes.

Making Your DNR Visible in Los Angeles

• Use the recognized California Prehospital DNR form or POLST so first responders can honor your instructions (EMSA).
• Keep the original in an easy-to-find place at home and provide copies to your healthcare agent and primary physician.
• Consider wallet cards, medical alert jewelry, or a copy near the bedside or on the refrigerator—common locations many EMS providers look for. Confirm preferred placement with your clinician or local EMS agency.
• Bring your POLST or DNR to medical appointments, hospital admissions, or care facility transfers.

Who Can Sign and How to Execute

Signer requirements differ by form:

• Prehospital DNR: Signed by a physician and the patient (or their legally recognized decision maker). See EMSA.
• POLST: Signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, and by the patient or a legally recognized decision maker if the patient lacks capacity. See CA POLST.

Your attorney can coordinate with your physician to ensure the correct form is used and properly executed.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Relying only on a will for medical decisions.
• Allowing conflicts between your AHCD and POLST/DNR.
• Keeping forms hidden or outdated.
• Assuming facility intake paperwork replaces your personalized POLST or DNR.
• Not informing family or caregivers about your preferences.

How Our Firm Can Help

We integrate your Advance Health Care Directive, POLST/DNR, and estate planning documents so your medical wishes align with your financial and family plans. We coordinate with your physicians, provide clear document storage guidance, and help your chosen agents understand their roles.

Schedule a consultation to get started.

Next Steps

• Schedule a consultation to review your current estate plan and health care documents.
• Meet with your physician to discuss whether a POLST and DNR are appropriate for your medical situation.
• Consolidate and organize copies for your agent, family, and care providers.
• Revisit your plan periodically to keep it accurate and effective.

FAQ

Is a DNR the same as refusing all treatment?

No. A DNR addresses CPR only. You can still receive treatments like pain relief, antibiotics, or hospitalization unless you direct otherwise in a POLST or AHCD.

Will EMTs in Los Angeles honor my DNR?

Yes, if you present a valid California Prehospital DNR or a POLST indicating Do Not Resuscitate. Keep it visible so first responders can find it.

Do I need both an AHCD and a POLST?

Often yes. The AHCD names your agent and states preferences; the POLST is a medical order clinicians follow in emergencies.

How often should I update these documents?

After major life or health changes, or if your goals of care shift. Review at least annually.

Can my agent sign for me?

If you lack capacity, a legally recognized decision maker may sign the POLST or DNR consistent with California law and your known wishes.

Where should I keep the original?

In an accessible, known location at home. Ask your clinician and local EMS about preferred placement.

What if my will conflicts with my AHCD or POLST?

Wills control property after death and do not govern medical care. Align language across documents to avoid confusion.

How do I get started?

Contact our firm to coordinate your AHCD, POLST/DNR, and estate plan with your care team.

Citations

• California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) – Prehospital Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
• Coalition for Compassionate Care of California – California POLST
• California Attorney General – Advance Health Care Directives (Probate Code overview)

California-Specific Disclaimer

This article provides general information about California law, including Los Angeles. It is not legal or medical advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local EMS practices can change and vary by situation. Consult a licensed California attorney and your healthcare provider for advice tailored to you.

Last reviewed: 2025-08-19