A DNR order, or do-not-resuscitate order, is a medical order written by a doctor that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patients breathing stops or if their heart stops beating. It is a legal document that means a person has decided not to have CPR attempted on them if their heart or breathing stops. A DNR order is specific about CPR and does not have instructions for other treatments, such as pain medicine, other medicines, or nutrition. It is usually created before an emergency occurs and is part of advance care planning, which provides details about the medical care a person wants to receive when they cannot make decisions for themselves.

A DNR order is created after discussing the benefits and risks of CPR with the patient (if possible), the proxy, or the patients family. It becomes part of the patients medical chart and is usually written by a healthcare provider. A DNR order may be called a do-not-attempt-resuscitation order or an allow-natural-death (AND) order.

It is important to note that a DNR order does not mean "do not treat." Rather, it means only that CPR will not be attempted. Other treatments that may prolong life can still be provided, depending on the persons condition. A DNR order allows a person to choose whether or not they want CPR in an emergency, and they always have the right to change their mind and request CPR.

In some states, DNR orders are only valid at the hospital, while in others, they are effective outside of hospitals, wherever the person may be in the community. These are called out-of-hospital DNR orders, Comfort Care orders, No CPR orders, or other terms. Generally, they require the signature of the doctor and patient (or patient’s surrogate), and they provide the patient with a visually distinct quick identification form, bracelet, or necklace that emergency medical services personnel can identify.

In summary, a DNR order is a medical order written by a doctor that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if a patients breathing stops or if their heart stops beating. It is part of advance care planning and allows a person to choose whether or not they want CPR in an emergency. A DNR order does not mean "do not treat," and other treatments that may prolong life can still be provided, depending on the persons condition.