What Is a DNR Order, and How Does It Work in Ohio Facilities?

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order tells emergency responders and healthcare providers not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation if a person's heart or breathing stops. Ohio has its own statewide system, "DNR Comfort Care," administered under Ohio Department of Health protocol, with two versions: "DNR Comfort Care," which allows comfort measures right up until cardiac or respiratory arrest, and "DNR Comfort Care — Arrest," which allows resuscitative treatment until arrest actually occurs. Ohio's DNR Comfort Care protocol is recognized statewide by EMS, hospitals, and licensed facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living communities. Unlike a number of other states, Ohio does not have a legally recognized MOLST or POLST form covering broader treatment choices (like artificial nutrition or antibiotics) beyond resuscitation — some Ohio hospice and healthcare organizations use MOLST-style documents informally as a communication tool, but it does not carry the same statutory standing as the DNR Comfort Care protocol itself. Any DNR decision should be made with the resident's physician and documented on Ohio's official DNR Comfort Care form to be recognized by facility staff and EMS.