Wills, Trusts & Probate
That's All We Do
Practical Estate Planning Information for DNR Decisions
Planning for end-of-life healthcare decisions in Oakhurst, California involves careful consideration of medical, legal, and personal values. A Do Not Resuscitate order, often called a DNR, is a medical instruction that directs healthcare teams not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation or advanced resuscitative measures if breathing or heartbeat stops. For many people this document preserves dignity and aligns treatment with their preferences. This guide walks through what DNR orders mean locally, how they interact with other advance care documents, and practical steps to make sure your wishes are recorded and available to medical providers when they are needed most.
Making decisions about a DNR order is a personal process that benefits from clear information and proactive planning. In Oakhurst, patients and families can take steps to document preferences, communicate with physicians, and coordinate legal forms so that emergency responders and hospital staff can act in line with those directions. This overview explains the legal status of DNRs in California, the role of physicians and medical records, and how a DNR fits into a broader estate planning framework. Thoughtful preparation reduces confusion and helps family members follow your intended plan for medical care.
Why a DNR Order Can Matter to You and Your Family
A properly documented DNR order offers clarity during emergencies and helps ensure that medical teams respect your wishes regarding resuscitation. For many residents of Oakhurst this clarity reduces the emotional burden on family members who might otherwise face difficult, last-minute decisions without guidance. A DNR also supports individualized care goals by avoiding interventions that a person does not want, while still allowing appropriate comfort and palliative measures. At the same time, aligning a DNR with other advance directives and medical records promotes consistent decision-making across different care settings and providers.
About LA Estate Plans and Our Approach in Oakhurst
LA Estate Plans serves Oakhurst and surrounding communities with a focus on wills, trusts, probate, and healthcare directives including DNR orders. Our approach prioritizes clear communication, practical guidance, and document preparation that complies with California requirements. We assist people in organizing their healthcare preferences so those wishes are reflected in medical records and shared with loved ones. By coordinating DNR orders with broader estate planning documents, we help create a cohesive plan that addresses both medical decisions and legacy concerns in a manner that is understandable and approachable for clients and their families.
Understanding DNR Orders and How They Work in Practice
A DNR order is a medical instruction entered into a patient’s chart by a physician that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR or other resuscitative interventions in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. In California, DNRs may be documented within hospital records, emergency medical services forms, or as part of broader advance healthcare directives. Knowing how and where the order is recorded makes a significant difference in whether it will be followed during an emergency. It is important to discuss the DNR with your treating physician and ensure the order is accessible to responders and hospital staff.
Implementing a DNR involves both the medical team and the individual’s legal planning. Conversations with family and caregivers help avoid misunderstandings when urgent decisions are required. In Oakhurst, coordination between outpatient providers, hospitals, and emergency responders supports reliable honoring of DNR instructions. Patients should also understand how a DNR differs from other directives and what medical interventions remain appropriate for comfort and symptom control. Regular review and clear communication ensure that the DNR continues to reflect current wishes and is properly documented where it will be seen when needed.
What a DNR Order Means and When It Applies
A Do Not Resuscitate order instructs medical professionals not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other emergency life-saving measures if breathing or heartbeat stops. It typically does not limit other forms of medical care such as pain management, routine treatments, or comfort-focused measures. A DNR comes from a physician’s order and should be clearly recorded in a patient’s medical record and communicated to family and caregivers. Understanding the scope and limitations of a DNR helps ensure your medical team and loved ones know what to expect in urgent situations.
Key Steps and Elements for Setting Up a Valid DNR
Key elements of a valid DNR include a documented physician order, clear communication with family and caregivers, and placement of the instruction in accessible medical records. The process usually begins with a conversation about goals of care, followed by documentation by the treating physician and, where appropriate, integration with an advance healthcare directive or POLST form. Making sure emergency personnel and outpatient clinics know about the DNR increases the likelihood it will be honored. Periodic review ensures the order reflects current wishes and medical context.
Important Terms and Definitions Related to DNRs
Familiarity with common terms helps when discussing DNRs with healthcare providers and family members. Knowing the difference between a physician order, an advance healthcare directive, and a POLST form clarifies how each document functions and where it fits in care planning. Clear definitions reduce uncertainty and support consistent implementation of preferences in emergencies. The following glossary entries explain these terms in plain language and describe how they interact within California’s legal and medical systems.
Advance Healthcare Directive
An Advance Healthcare Directive is a legal document where an individual records preferences for medical treatment and designates a decision-maker to act on their behalf if they cannot communicate. This document can address a wide range of care choices including life-sustaining treatments, comfort measures, and appointment of an agent to make healthcare decisions. While an advance directive may express wishes about resuscitation, the actual DNR used by hospitals and emergency services is usually a physician’s order placed in the medical record. Ensuring consistency between these documents helps prevent confusion.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a set of emergency procedures, including chest compressions and ventilations, intended to restart breathing and circulation after cardiac or respiratory arrest. CPR can be physically demanding and may not align with every patient’s goals of care, particularly when it is unlikely to provide meaningful recovery. A DNR specifically instructs medical personnel not to perform these resuscitative efforts. It is important to discuss with medical providers how CPR fits into the larger context of treatment, recovery expectations, and quality of life.
Physician’s Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)
A POLST form is a medical order used for individuals with serious illness or limited life expectancy to document preferences for life-sustaining treatments, including resuscitation, intubation, and nutrition. It complements an advance directive by translating treatment preferences into actionable medical orders that are recognized across care settings. In California, a POLST can help ensure first responders and hospital staff follow the patient’s documented wishes. Coordination between POLST, DNR orders, and advance directives promotes consistent care aligned with personal goals.
End-of-Life Care
End-of-life care focuses on comfort, symptom management, and emotional support during the final stage of life. This care can include hospice services, palliative treatments, and measures to maintain dignity and quality of life rather than curative interventions. A DNR may be part of an end-of-life plan that specifies which life-sustaining measures a person wishes to accept or decline. Thoughtful conversations about end-of-life care help align medical interventions with personal values and ensure family members understand the intended approach.
Comparing DNR Orders, Advance Directives, and POLST Forms
Several legal tools help communicate healthcare preferences, each serving a distinct purpose. A DNR specifically addresses resuscitation and is recorded as a physician’s order in medical records. An advance healthcare directive records broader preferences and appoints a decision-maker for situations when a person cannot speak for themselves. A POLST translates preferences into medical orders for seriously ill patients and can include instructions beyond resuscitation. Understanding how these documents interact helps individuals choose the most appropriate combination to reliably convey their wishes across different care settings.
When a DNR Alone May Meet Your Needs:
Specifying Only Resuscitation Preferences
Some individuals want to make a single clear statement about resuscitation without documenting broader treatment preferences. In such instances, a physician-issued DNR placed in the medical record can provide immediate direction to emergency responders and hospital staff regarding CPR. Choosing a limited approach can simplify decision-making and provide reassurance that your wishes about resuscitation are known. Even when selecting a DNR alone, it remains helpful to discuss the choice with family and treating clinicians so everyone understands the limit and scope of the order.
When the Medical Situation Is Narrowly Defined
A limited directive may be appropriate when the medical circumstances are well-defined and the person wishes to address only the possibility of cardiac or respiratory arrest. For example, someone who otherwise wants typical medical care but does not want CPR can rely on a DNR to prevent unwanted resuscitative efforts. This targeted approach can be practical when broader decisions about long-term treatment are not needed, while still allowing for comfort care and other interventions that support quality of life.
When a Broader Planning Approach Is Advisable:
Complex Medical Conditions or Multiple Care Settings
Individuals with complex or progressive medical conditions often benefit from a comprehensive planning approach that includes a DNR, POLST where appropriate, and an advance healthcare directive. This combination provides clear medical orders as well as documented values and a designated decision-maker for situations that go beyond resuscitation. Comprehensive planning helps ensure consistent care across hospitals, outpatient clinics, and emergency response teams, reducing the risk of conflicting directions and supporting continuity of care aligned with the person’s long-term wishes.
Desire for Broadly Documented Preferences and Decision-Making Authority
When someone wants to address multiple aspects of future medical care, including life-sustaining treatments, decision-making authority, and end-of-life preferences, broader legal planning provides a clearer roadmap for caregivers and clinicians. Having an advance directive that names a healthcare agent and states general treatment goals, together with medical orders like a DNR or POLST, reduces uncertainty during crises. This comprehensive approach supports the person’s broader healthcare objectives and helps families carry out those intentions with confidence.
Advantages of Integrating DNRs with Broader Healthcare Planning
Integrating a DNR with an advance directive and, when appropriate, a POLST creates a consistent and accessible record of preferences across care settings. This layered approach helps ensure that emergency personnel, hospital staff, and long-term care providers can access clear instructions about resuscitation and other treatments. By documenting both specific medical orders and broader values, people reduce the chance of conflicting decisions and provide practical guidance to those responsible for implementing their wishes. This clarity can lessen stress for family members during urgent situations.
A comprehensive plan also supports ongoing conversations about goals of care and allows adjustments as a person’s health or values change. Regular reviews and updates keep documents aligned with current preferences. Coordination among legal and medical records promotes smoother transitions between care settings and increases the likelihood that documented wishes will be recognized and followed. Overall, this approach combines legal clarity with medical practicality to help individuals and families navigate difficult decisions with greater assurance.
Greater Consistency Across Care Providers
When DNR instructions are paired with advance directives and medical orders like POLST, the result is a coordinated set of documents that travel with the patient across different care settings. This coordination reduces the chance that one provider will be unaware of another provider’s documentation or act in a way that conflicts with stated wishes. Clear, consistent documentation supports smoother handoffs between emergency services, hospitals, and long-term care facilities, helping ensure that the person’s treatment preferences are respected reliably.
Reduced Burden on Loved Ones During Emergencies
Comprehensive healthcare planning eases the decision-making burden on family members who might otherwise face urgent and emotionally difficult choices without guidance. With written orders and a named decision-maker, loved ones have direction and legal clarity to support medical teams in following the patient’s wishes. This reduces family conflict and uncertainty at stressful moments and helps ensure that the person’s values guide care rather than ad hoc or inconsistent interpretations by different parties.
Practice Areas
Top Searched Keywords
- DNR orders Oakhurst
- Do Not Resuscitate California
- advance healthcare directive Oakhurst
- POLST form California
- end of life planning Oakhurst
- medical orders DNR POLST
- LA Estate Plans Oakhurst
- DNR documentation California
- healthcare directives Oakhurst
Practical Tips for Managing Your DNR and Related Documents
Discuss Your Wishes Clearly
Having open conversations with family members, caregivers, and your primary physician ensures that everyone understands your preferences regarding resuscitation and other medical treatments. Clear discussion helps avoid surprises during emergencies and supports alignment between medical staff and loved ones. It is helpful to explain the reasons behind your choices and to confirm that your designated decision-maker knows where documents are kept. Regular conversations also make it easier to update instructions when circumstances or preferences change.
Keep Documents Accessible to Caregivers
Review and Update Periodically
Regularly reviewing your DNR order and related documents ensures they reflect current health status and personal preferences. Life changes, new diagnoses, or shifts in treatment goals may prompt adjustments to your instructions. Periodic review also offers an opportunity to re-confirm who will make decisions on your behalf and to ensure that all relevant providers have the most current documentation. Keeping information up to date improves the chances that your wishes will be honored in all care settings.
Why You Might Consider Legal Assistance for a DNR Order
Seeking legal assistance for DNR orders can help ensure that documents are prepared and coordinated in a way that aligns with California law and hospital practices. Legal guidance clarifies how physician orders, advance directives, and POLST forms interact, and helps avoid gaps that could lead to confusion during emergencies. Assistance can also facilitate careful conversations with family members, assist in naming an appropriate healthcare decision-maker, and support the placement of orders where they will be seen by medical teams when needed.
Legal support also aids in integrating DNR decisions into a broader estate planning strategy, ensuring that medical instructions complement wills, trusts, and other legacy documents. This coordination reduces the chance of inconsistencies between medical wishes and other legal arrangements. For people who value clarity and a structured approach to future care, professional guidance can save time, reduce uncertainty, and help families navigate the practical steps required to implement a person’s healthcare choices effectively.
Common Situations Where DNR Planning Is Helpful
DNR guidance is commonly sought by individuals with chronic or progressive illnesses, older adults planning for future care, and those who wish to document clear preferences about resuscitation. It is also useful for anyone assembling a comprehensive healthcare plan that includes identification of a decision-maker and coordination with medical providers. Addressing a DNR in advance reduces uncertainty across a variety of situations, from sudden illness at home to decisions made during hospitalization or transitions to long-term care.
Chronic or Terminal Illness Planning
When facing a chronic or terminal illness, people often consider a DNR as part of a thoughtful approach to managing care preferences. Documenting resuscitation choices helps align treatments with goals focused on comfort and quality of life. Discussing the DNR alongside symptom management and palliative options ensures the medical team understands the overall care priorities. Clear documentation reduces the burden on family members and supports consistent implementation across care settings.
Advanced Age and Anticipatory Planning
Older adults frequently include a DNR order among their estate and healthcare planning documents as a way to ensure their wishes are known and respected in emergencies. Including a DNR within a broader plan that names a decision-maker and records treatment preferences helps avoid last-minute disagreements. Regular review is important to confirm that instructions continue to reflect current values and health conditions. Advance planning gives family members a clear path to follow when urgent situations arise.
Desire to Limit Specific Medical Interventions
Some individuals wish to decline specific emergency interventions such as CPR while remaining open to other types of care that maintain comfort and dignity. A DNR provides targeted direction to avoid particular resuscitation measures while permitting other treatments that align with the person’s overall medical goals. Clear documentation and communication with caregivers and medical providers help ensure these preferences are implemented appropriately when the need arises.
Support and Guidance for DNR Decisions in Oakhurst
Reasons to Work with LA Estate Plans on Your DNR and Healthcare Documents
Choosing assistance for DNR planning can make the process more straightforward by ensuring that documents conform to California practices and are placed where medical teams will see them. We help clients translate their preferences into clear physician orders and coordinate those orders with advance directives and POLST forms when appropriate. Our goal is to reduce ambiguity and provide practical steps that increase the likelihood your wishes are followed across care settings.
We also prioritize communication with family members and designated decision-makers to ensure they understand the intent and scope of DNR orders and related documents. By fostering these conversations early, we help minimize the potential for conflict or uncertainty during stressful situations. Clear documentation combined with family awareness supports more consistent decision-making when time is short and emotions are high.
Finally, we assist with the logistical aspects of implementation, including coordinating with physicians and confirming that orders are entered into medical records in a way that makes them accessible to emergency responders and hospital staff. Practical follow-through increases the chance that documented preferences are seen and honored, providing peace of mind for clients and loved ones when it matters most.
Contact LA Estate Plans to Discuss Your DNR Options in Oakhurst
How We Handle DNR Preparation and Implementation
Our process is designed to be clear and methodical, beginning with an intake conversation to learn about health status, treatment preferences, and any existing directives. We then work to document those wishes in a manner that aligns with California practices and hospital processes. Coordination with treating physicians and practical guidance for sharing documents with family and care teams are part of our service. We also provide review recommendations to ensure documents remain current as circumstances evolve.
Step One: Consultation and Information Gathering
The first step focuses on gathering information about your medical history, goals of care, and any prior documents. During this conversation we explore preferences for resuscitation and broader treatment approaches, identify a preferred decision-maker, and note any specific concerns that should be reflected in documentation. Understanding these details allows us to prepare clear instructions that match your values and are suitable for implementation by medical teams in Oakhurst and elsewhere in California.
Understanding Your Wishes
We listen to your priorities about life-sustaining treatment, comfort care, and acceptable interventions in different medical scenarios. Clarifying these preferences helps ensure that the DNR order and any accompanying directives accurately reflect your intentions. We also discuss how different choices affect the scope of care and what each option means in practical terms so you can make informed decisions about the instructions you want included in your medical record.
Reviewing Existing Documents
If you already have an advance healthcare directive or other estate planning documents, we review them to ensure consistency and to identify whether updates are needed. This review helps prevent conflicting instructions and supports a coordinated set of records. Where appropriate, we will recommend drafting or modifying a POLST or other medical orders so that your DNR and related documents are aligned and readily usable across providers and care settings.
Step Two: Document Preparation and Review
After gathering the necessary information, we prepare the appropriate documentation in a clear and legally compatible format. This often includes a written summary for the medical record and any required forms for outpatient clinics or emergency services. We present drafts for your review and make adjustments to ensure the language reflects your precise wishes. This drafting phase ensures the final documents will be ready for execution in a way that medical staff can apply when needed.
Drafting the DNR Order
We prepare documentation that communicates your resuscitation preferences in terms that physicians and emergency personnel can act on. While the DNR itself will be entered as a physician’s order, our role is to produce clear instructions for review and to assist in obtaining the necessary signatures or verification from the treating physician. Clear drafting reduces ambiguity and supports accurate entry into medical records and care plans.
Client Review and Adjustments
You review the draft documents and provide feedback on wording and scope. We incorporate revisions to make sure the documents match your wishes and practical needs. This collaborative revision ensures the final materials are understandable to family and medical professionals, and it gives you the chance to confirm that every important point has been captured before the documents are finalized and placed where they will be accessible.
Step Three: Execution, Distribution, and Implementation
Once documents are finalized, we assist with signing, witnessing, or notarization if necessary and help arrange for the DNR to be entered into medical records or provided to relevant providers. We advise on how to share documents with family members and emergency contacts and recommend practical steps to keep the instructions accessible. Follow-up ensures that the DNR is known to care teams and that implementation steps are clear for all involved parties.
Proper Signing and Entry Into Medical Records
We help coordinate with your physician or treating provider to ensure the DNR is properly entered as a medical order in the chart. This step is essential for the instruction to be recognized by hospital staff and emergency responders. Guidance on required signatures and documentation practices helps prevent administrative issues that could otherwise delay recognition of the directive when it matters most.
Communicating Your Wishes to Family and Providers
We provide strategies for communicating the existence and location of the DNR and related documents to family, caregivers, and medical providers. Clear communication and distribution of copies reduce confusion in urgent situations. We also suggest regular review intervals and recommend notifying providers when any update is made so that the most current instructions are in place across all care settings.
The Proof is in Our Performance
Frequently Asked Questions About DNR Orders in Oakhurst
What is a DNR order and how does it work in Oakhurst?
A Do Not Resuscitate order is a physician-documented instruction that directs medical personnel not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other resuscitative measures if a person’s breathing or heartbeat stops. In Oakhurst and elsewhere in California, the DNR is typically recorded in the patient’s medical chart and communicated to emergency responders and hospital staff so they understand the patient’s resuscitation preferences. The order does not prevent other medical treatments that the patient chooses to receive and is focused specifically on emergency resuscitation. To put a DNR into effect, patients discuss their wishes with a treating physician who documents the order in medical records. Making sure family members and primary caregivers are aware of the order and where it is recorded helps ensure it will be recognized in urgent situations. Coordination with advance directives or POLST forms can further clarify treatment preferences and support consistent application across care settings.
Can I change or revoke my DNR order after it is issued?
Yes, a DNR can be changed or revoked at any time by the person who made it, provided they are mentally able to make healthcare decisions. To revoke a DNR, the individual should tell their physician and request the order be removed from the medical record, and notify family members and caregivers of the change to avoid confusion. Proper communication to all relevant providers helps ensure the updated wishes are respected and implemented across care settings. If a surrogate decision-maker has been designated through an advance directive, the surrogate may act consistent with the individual’s known wishes when the individual cannot communicate. It is helpful to document any revocation or amendment in writing when possible and to confirm that the physician has updated the medical chart accordingly so that emergency responders and hospital staff can follow the most current instructions.
Does a DNR order stop all medical care or only CPR?
A DNR order specifically addresses decisions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other resuscitative measures in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. It does not inherently limit other forms of medical care, such as pain management, routine treatments, or palliative support. Patients with a DNR can often receive a broad range of medical treatment intended to preserve comfort and quality of life even if they have chosen to decline CPR. Because a DNR is frequently limited in scope, individuals who wish to address other treatment preferences—such as life-sustaining therapies or artificial nutrition—may also complete an advance healthcare directive or POLST. Those additional forms help communicate broader medical goals and clarify whether certain interventions beyond resuscitation are desired in particular clinical circumstances.
How is a DNR different from an advance healthcare directive or POLST?
A DNR is a physician’s medical order focused on resuscitation preferences and is placed in the medical record so treating teams and emergency personnel know whether to perform CPR. An advance healthcare directive is a legal document that records broader preferences and often appoints a decision-maker to act if a person cannot communicate. A POLST form converts treatment preferences for seriously ill patients into medical orders that can be followed across care settings and may include instructions beyond resuscitation. While these documents have different functions, they can complement each other. An advance directive provides values and decision-maker authority, a POLST offers portable medical orders for seriously ill individuals, and a DNR offers immediate direction regarding CPR. Coordinating these documents reduces ambiguity and improves the likelihood that your overall wishes are honored in various medical situations.
Who can sign a DNR and where is it recorded?
A DNR is typically signed or entered by a treating physician or authorized medical provider after a discussion with the patient or the patient’s decision-maker. The order is recorded in the patient’s medical chart and, when applicable, on forms used by emergency medical services. Because the order must be accessible to those providing care, its proper entry into medical records and communication to emergency responders or outpatient clinics is an important practical step. If a patient lacks decision-making capacity, a legally appointed healthcare agent or surrogate may participate in decisions consistent with the patient’s prior wishes. It is important that the agent and family members know where documentation is kept and that they confirm the presence of the DNR in the medical record. Proper coordination mitigates the risk that the order will be overlooked during emergency care.
How can I make sure my DNR is available to emergency responders?
To ensure a DNR is available to emergency responders, include the order in the medical record at your primary care clinic or hospital and inform local emergency contacts of its existence. If you receive outpatient care or live in a care facility, ask that the order be prominently placed in accessible records. Some people also keep a visible note or wallet card indicating they have a DNR so that emergency personnel are alerted immediately upon arrival. Sharing the location of the document with family and caregivers is also important, as is notifying your physician whenever there is a change. In some cases, completing a POLST form can provide an additional, portable medical order recognized by first responders and various care facilities, improving the chances that your resuscitation preferences will be followed across different settings.
Should I include a DNR as part of broader estate planning?
Including a DNR within a broader estate planning process can be very helpful because it ensures that medical directives are consistent with other legal documents and with end-of-life wishes. An advance healthcare directive, naming a healthcare agent, paired with a DNR and, where appropriate, a POLST, creates a comprehensive approach that documents both specific medical orders and overarching treatment goals. This coordination reduces the likelihood of conflicting instructions and clarifies responsibilities for loved ones. Comprehensive planning also streamlines updates and reviews. When a person revises their estate plan, it is an opportunity to confirm that DNR and related medical documents still reflect current values and health circumstances. Having everything coordinated makes it easier for family members and providers to find and follow your wishes when the time comes.
What steps should families take when a loved one has a DNR?
When a loved one has a DNR, families should first ensure they understand the scope of the order and how it fits with other care preferences. Open conversations about goals of care and what the DNR means in practice help family members feel prepared and reduce confusion during emergencies. It is useful to know who the designated decision-maker is and where documentation is stored so that instructions can be accessed quickly when needed. Families should also communicate the existence of the DNR to relevant healthcare providers, caregivers, and, if applicable, long-term care facilities. Reviewing the documents together and confirming that they are on file in the patient’s medical records strengthens the chance the orders will be honored. Finally, regular check-ins about any changes in wishes or health status help keep everyone aligned.
How often should DNR and related documents be reviewed?
DNR orders and related documents should be reviewed periodically and whenever major health changes or life events occur. Regular review ensures that instructions continue to reflect the person’s values and medical situation. Checking these documents annually or after significant changes in health status is a practical habit that helps avoid outdated instructions and supports accurate implementation by medical teams. When reviewing, confirm that the DNR is present in medical records and that family members and the designated decision-maker know where to find it. If any changes are desired, update the physician’s order and notify relevant providers immediately. Keeping copies accessible and informing emergency contacts reduces the risk of confusion in urgent situations.
Will a DNR be honored across different hospitals and care settings?
Whether a DNR is honored across different hospitals and care settings depends on proper documentation and communication. When a DNR is entered as a physician’s order and included in the patient’s medical chart, hospitals and care teams should follow it. Using portable medical orders like a POLST can enhance transferability between facilities and provide clearer direction to emergency responders and long-term care providers. To improve the likelihood your DNR will be recognized, ensure the order is present in the medical record, provide copies to relevant providers, and inform family and caregivers of its location. Coordination among your primary care physician, hospital, and any facilities where you receive care increases the chance your resuscitation preferences will be followed consistently across settings.