Updated July 18, 2023
The Delaware do not resuscitate (DNR) order form has been replaced by a form created by the Delaware Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (DMOST) program. The DMOST form allows citizens of Delaware to layout their wishes regarding medical decision-making at the end of their life; i.e., to prepare for situations where medical treatments and procedures will be used should the person stop breathing. An individual/patient who does not wish to be resuscitated in the event of cardiac arrest has the right to make this decision, and for this reason, a DNR section is integrated within the DMOST form for this purpose. The physician must approve this request and will typically only recommend this option for patients with serious/terminal illnesses or frailty.
Laws – 16 Del.C. Ch. 25
Required to Sign – Patient and physician.
How to Write
Step 1 – Download the DMOST form in PDF.
Step 2 – Enter the patient’s name, date of birth and last four (4) digits of SSN.
Step 3 – Under section ‘A’, enter the patient’s goals of care (e.g., to live without pain, live long enough to attend important event).
Step 4 – Section ‘B’ offers the opportunity to select ‘DNR’. Select the second checkbox if this is the patient’s wish; otherwise, select ‘Attempt resuscitation/CPR’.
Step 5 – In the event that the patient is breathing and/or has a pulse, they have the ability to decide ahead of time what type(s) of treatments the medical personnel are allowed to use. Under section ‘C’, select one (1) of the following four (4) checkboxes:
- Full treatment
- Limited treatment (avoids intensive care with transfer options)
- Treatment of symptoms only/comfort measures
- Other orders (list orders)
Step 6 – The patient also has the option to select how long they wish to have fluids and nutrition administered to them in an artificial capacity. Select one (1) of the following options under section ‘D’:
- Long-term artificial nutrition
- Defined trial period of artificial nutrition (plus length of trial and goal)
- No artificial nutrition (hydration only or none)
Step 7 – Section ‘E’ outlines with whom the physician discussed the DMOST form, the name of any healthcare professional who helped with the form, and the name of the patient’s authorized representative (if any).
Step 8 – This form is only valid once the patient (or authorized representative) and physician sign their names. The physician must include their address, license number and phone number.
