Advance Directives, Quality Check

Advance Directives: Respecting the Client’s Medical Wishes
This course explains Advance Directives, which are legal documents that let clients choose what medical care they want or don’t want—especially in an emergency. One common type is a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order, which means the client does not want CPR if their heart or breathing stops. These documents must be easy to find in the home so emergency workers know what to do.

If there is no written directive, first responders will assume the client wants to be revived. That’s why it’s important for caregivers to know if a client has an Advance Directive and follow it.

Quality Assurance (QA) staff also check to make sure Advance Directive information is included in the client’s file and that there is clear evidence it has been reviewed and followed.