Comfort Care / Do Not Resuscitate (CC/DNR)

What is a Comfort Care/Do Not Resuscitate Order?

A Comfort Care/Do Not Resuscitate form (CC/DNR) is a medical document that verifies you have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) medical order in effect. The medical order states you do not want any medical personal to restart your heart beat and breathing if your heat beat and breathing stop, but to be given comfort care measures to allow for a comfortable death.

Here's how it works:

  • You and your clinician discuss  your current medical condition and the risks, benefits and possible outcomes of attempting CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) if your heartbeat and breathing stops.
  • You choose if you want medical personal including Emergency Medical Services( EMS) not to attempt to restart your heart beat and breathing but offer comfort care measures to allow a more comfortable death.
  • Your clinician competes a "Comfort Care/ Do Not Resuscitate" medical order. A copy is placed in your medical record.
  • You keep a copy at home easily visible for Emergency Medical Services to read and follow.

Learn More About a Comfort Care/Do Not Resuscitate Order

  • Review the information below in the blue boxes
  • Talk with your clinician about your current medical condition and your choice not to be resuscitated if your heartbeat and breathing stop, but to be given comfort care measures
  • You and your clinician decide whether to complete a CC/DNR form or complete a MOLST form which contains the Comfort Care/Do Not Resuscitate treatment decision and a range of life-sustaining treatment decisions. This is a medical order and can only be filled out by your clinician.
  • SEE A SAMPLE FORM  Massachusetts.gov website. Click on "Comfort Care/ Do Not Resuscitate Verification Form"

Did You Know?

The State of Massachusetts CC/DNR form is honored by EMS (Emergency Medical Services) if current and valid.

Speech Bubble Icon says MA LawEvery competent adult has the right to choose the use of attempting or not attempting CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). Talk to your doctor to find out the benefits & risks.

Information and Tools

Find information, links and tools in the boxes below.

Did You Know?

The State of Massachusetts CC/DNR form is honored by EMS (Emergency Medical Services) if current and valid.

Speech Bubble Icon says MA LawEvery competent adult has the right to choose the use of attempting or not attempting CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). Talk to your doctor to find out the benefits & risks.