Section 710. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders

A. Do Not Resuscitate Orders for withholding cardiopulmonary resuscitation from an individual in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest shall only be carried out in a licensed assisted living facility when:

1. A valid written order has been issued by the resident's attending physician;

2. The written order is included in the individualized service plan; and

3. There is a staff person with a current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (See provision from § 63.2-1807 of the Code of Virginia in this section) or a licensed nurse available to implement the order.

B. Durable DNR Orders shall not authorize the withholding of other medical interventions, such as intravenous fluids, oxygen or other therapies deemed necessary to provide comfort care or to alleviate pain.

C. Section 63.2-1807 of the Code of Virginia states that the owners or operators of any assisted living facility may provide that their staff who are certified in CPR shall not be required to resuscitate any resident for whom a valid written order not to resuscitate in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest has been issued by the resident's attending physician and has been included in the resident's individualized service plan.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 23, Issue 06, eff. December 28, 2006.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-1732 of the Code of Virginia.