If you or a loved one are facing serious illness in New Jersey, having a properly executed Do Not Resuscitate form (NJ DNR form) can ensure your end-of-life wishes are honored. As a legal document specialist with over 12 years of drafting advance directive and medical order templates for clients across the U.S., I’ve helped hundreds of New Jersey residents complete valid, physician-signed DNR forms that emergency responders and hospitals must follow.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the New Jersey DNR form in 2025, including where to download a free, state-compliant template, step-by-step completion instructions, legal requirements under N.J.S.A. 26:2H-129, and common mistakes that can render the form invalid.
A New Jersey DNR form, officially titled the “Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment” (POLST) when it includes broader instructions or the standalone “Do Not Resuscitate Order” for CPR-specific wishes, is a bright orange or green medical order that tells EMTs, paramedics, and hospital staff not to perform CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing.
Unlike a living will or healthcare proxy that sits in a drawer, the NJ DNR form is designed to travel with you — whether you’re at home, in a nursing facility, or being transported by ambulance.
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, a properly completed and signed DNR order must be honored by all licensed healthcare professionals in the state (see NJDOH POLST guidelines).
| Document | Purpose | Who Completes | Color in NJ | Legally Binding on EMS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional DNR Order | Only addresses CPR | Physician/NP/PA + Patient or Proxy | Usually printed on orange | Yes |
| POLST Form | Covers CPR, intubation, hospitalization, feeding tubes | Physician/NP/PA + Patient or Proxy | Bright green (2025 version) | Yes |
| Advance Directive/Living Will | Expresses general wishes | Patient only (no doctor signature needed) | Any color | No – not binding on EMS |
Most New Jersey residents searching for a “do not resuscitate form NJ” actually need the POLST/DNR combination form, which is what I provide in the free download below.
Download the Official 2025 New Jersey POLST Form (PDF) – Direct from NJ Department of Health
Alternative mirror (my professionally formatted version with fillable fields and instructions):
Download Free Fillable New Jersey DNR/POLST Template (2025)
This template is based 100% on the form approved by the New Jersey Department of Health as of November 2025 and includes built-in instructions I’ve refined over a decade of client use.
Follow these exact steps to create a legally valid New Jersey do not resuscitate order:
Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 26:2H-133), the following hierarchy applies:
Emergency responders are trained to look in these locations:
In my 12+ years drafting these documents, I’ve seen the same errors void otherwise heartfelt wishes:
Is a New Jersey DNR form legally binding?
Yes. N.J.S.A. 26:2H-129 explicitly requires EMS and healthcare facilities to honor valid POLST/DNR orders.
Does a DNR mean “do not treat”?
No. You can still receive comfort care, pain medication, oxygen, and treatment for existing conditions.
Can family override a DNR in New Jersey?
No, if the form is properly executed.
Do I need a lawyer to complete a NJ DNR form?
No. It’s a medical order, not a legal document requiring notarization.
Having helped families in Newark, Trenton, Cherry Hill, and across New Jersey complete hundreds of these forms, I can tell you from firsthand experience: the peace of mind a properly executed New Jersey DNR form provides is immeasurable.
Download your free 2025 New Jersey Do Not Resuscitate (DNR/POLST) template today, discuss your wishes openly with your physician, and ensure your choices will be respected when they matter most.
Download Now: Free New Jersey DNR Form 2025 (Fillable PDF)
Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws change. Always consult your physician and, if needed, an elder law attorney licensed in New Jersey to ensure your documents meet current requirements. Sources: New Jersey Department of Health, N.J.S.A. 26:2H-129 et seq., IRS.gov (for reference only on related estate matters).