NJ Estate Planning Lawyer Christine Matus Explains DNR Orders
NJ estate planning lawyer Christine Matus releases a new article (https://matuslaw.com/dnr-orders-explained/) explaining DNR orders in New Jersey. The lawyer mentions that every patient who is mentally competent has the right to either accept or refuse medical treatment that is recommended to them by healthcare providers. This right is called the “fundamental principle of liberty” and patients are allowed to exercise this right even if the treatment is supposed to be life-saving.
“If a person experiencing a medical event is unconscious and cannot communicate his or her wishes with regards to medical procedures, some individuals carry a DNR or Do Not Resuscitate order with them. A DNR order is designed to prevent medical staff and other persons from performing CPR on the person,” says the NJ estate planning lawyer.
The lawyer explains that a typical DNR order may be obtained both in a hospital setting and out of it. A valid DNR order may also be requested by a healthcare agent. DNRs may be established by a doctor if the patient is unable to communicate and has a valid Living Will or advance health care directive in place that clearly states his or her wishes.
Additionally, the estate planning attorney says that a typical DNR order may state that the person who is carrying it doesn’t want to go through any procedures that aim to restore blood circulation and heartbeat in the event of a cardiac arrest. These procedures include CPR, intubation to connect the patient to a breathing machine, electric shocks, and emergency medications.
Attorney Christine Matus also adds that DNR orders fall in the same category as Advance Healthcare Directives. The purpose of these directives is to allow an individual to exercise their rights or express their wishes with regard to the medical procedures that they want to accept or reject.
According to the estate planning lawyer, “It is important to note, however, that while a DNR order may be a part of an Advance Healthcare Directive, it is also possible to establish such an order as an independent document. In other words, a person doesn’t have to have an Advance Directive to be able to create a DNR order.”
In the article, attorney Matus adds that it is important for someone who wants to have an advanced healthcare directive to speak with an experienced estate planning lawyer. A skilled lawyer may be able to help the client understand the documents related to their treatment preference and also understand what their rights are.
About the Matus Law Group
The Matus Law Group has a team of estate planning attorneys who are committed to helping families and individuals in real estate transactions in New Jersey and New York. Through a team approach, they work hard to help their clients with their estate planning needs. Call The Matus Law Group today at (732) 785-4453.
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For more information about Matus Law Group - Monmouth County, contact the company here:
Matus Law Group - Monmouth County
Christine Matus
(732) 785-4453
matuslawnj@gmail.com
125 Half Mile Rd Red Bank, NJ 07701
