• DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)/COLST (Clinician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
    • DNR/COLST orders are portable, out-of-hospital medical orders used to instruct medical providers and emergency responders about any treatment limitations for an individual. DNR/COLST orders are the outcome of a shared decision-making process between a patient (or their agent, guardian or surrogate, if the patient lacks decision-making capacity) and their clinician (MD, DO, PA or APRN). They are based on an individual’s current medical condition and their goals and values. DNR/COLST orders are not advance directives. If emergency responders are called, they cannot withhold any treatments unless there is a DNR/COLST order in place and clearly displayed for EMTs/EMS to find.
    • DNR/COLST orders address the following medical treatments:
      • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
      • Breathing machines (intubation and ventilation)
      • General guidelines for medical treatments
      • Artificial feeding and fluids
      • Antibiotics
  • If you are certain that you would not want one or more of these treatments regardless of the medical situation you are in, it is important to have a discussion with your clinician to see if a DNR/COLST order is right for you.
     
  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a written order by the patient’s clinician directing health care providers not to attempt resuscitation.
  • Clinician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (COLST) is a clinician’s order(s) for treatment. This may include limitations on treatment or medical interventions. It may also include a DNR order.

Read the Advance Directives for Health Care Rule

DNR/COLST Clinician Order Form & Instructions

  • In the out-of-hospital setting (out-patient), DNR/COLST orders must be issued on the Vermont DNR/COLST form below. Properly executed DNR/COLST orders do not expire but should be reviewed when there is a change in the patient's health status, care setting, or goals. DNR/COLST orders and other similar portable medical orders (MOLST, POLST) properly completed in another state will be honored in Vermont.
  • In the hospital, medical orders are documented in the patient's medical record, in a facility-specific manner. The Vermont DNR/COLST form should only be used if a patient is being discharged with a treatment limitation in place. DNR/COLST orders should not be completed for patients who have no limitations of treatment.
  • The DNR/COLST form was updated in June 2022. 

Vermont DNR/COLST Form

  • For Patients with DNR/COLST Orders
    • Keep your order in your home, clearly displayed on the refrigerator. (link to order File of Life magnets)
      • If you live in an assisted living facility, nursing home or other facility, check with the staff to find out their policy on where DNR/COLST orders should be displayed for emergency responders.
    • Make additional copies of the order for your vehicle, or to carry when you travel.  
    • DNR/COLST orders are the responsibility of the patient (or their surrogate). Patients being admitted to the hospital and who want their DNR/COLST order to be in effect must bring a copy of their order to the hospital.  
    • Tell your health care agent, close family members and friends that you have a DNR/COLST order so that they are aware of your care plan and can support you if needed. 

Approved DNR Medical ID Vendors

Individuals may wish to purchase wearable Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) identification. The Health Department has approved the following vendors:

MedicAlert® Foundation

Order online from MedicAlert

  • Average cost: $27.99 (plus shipping and handling)
  • Annual membership fee: $29.99 for first 12 months
  • Financial assistance may be available through the MedicAlert® Sponsored Service Program.

To apply for financial assistance:

  • Submit a completed MedicAlert® Foundation enrollment form to MedicAlert® AND one of the following:
  1. A statement from a state or federal agency or program attesting to the enrollee’s inability to afford the service fees OR
  2. A statement from the individual requesting the sponsorship AND proof of hardship or income from a state or federal government public assistance program, such as copy of Medicaid card, copy of food stamp program assistance, or copy of current year Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) determination letter with dollar amount. Additional proof of hardship or income may be required.
StickyJ Medical ID

Order online from StickyJ or fill out and mail their order form.

  • Average cost: $27.90 (including shipping)
  • No annual fee
  • No financial assistance

Learn more about becoming an approved DNR ID vendor

Learn more about DNR/COLST orders