What if the family disagrees with the DNR order?

Ethicists and physicians are divided over how to proceed if the family disagrees. At many hospitals, the policy is to write a DNR order only with patient/family agreement.

If there is disagreement, every reasonable effort should be made to communicate with the patient or family. In many cases, this will lead to resolution of the conflict. In difficult cases, an ethics consultation can prove helpful. Nevertheless, CPR should generally be provided to such patients, even if judged futile.


Ethicists and physicians are divided over how to proceed if the family disagrees. At many hospitals, the policy is to write a DNR order only with patient/family agreement.

If there is disagreement, every reasonable effort should be made to communicate with the patient or family. In many cases, this will lead to resolution of the conflict. In difficult cases, an ethics consultation can prove helpful. Nevertheless, CPR should generally be provided to such patients, even if judged futile.

For this reason it is quite helful if you have a prepared Advance Directive of some form, especially one that names an agent or surrogate decision maker to act on your behalf.