As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives and estate plans across the United States for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for Ohio residents to have a properly executed Ohio Do Not Resuscitate forms. A valid Ohio DNR (often called a DNR Comfort Care form) ensures that your end-of-life wishes are honored by EMTs, paramedics, and hospital staff when every second counts.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the do not resuscitate form in Ohio, provide a free downloadable 2025-compliant template, walk you through completion requirements, and answer the questions I hear most often from clients. Below you’ll find the official State of Ohio DNR Comfort Care protocol form ready for immediate use.
Ohio recognizes only one statewide DNR order: the Ohio DNR Comfort Care Protocol. Unlike many states that offer multiple DNR forms, Ohio uses a single standardized form authorized by the Ohio Department of Health under Ohio Revised Code § 2133.21 through 2133.26 and Ohio Administrative Code 3701-62.
When properly completed and signed, this form instructs emergency medical personnel to provide comfort care only and withhold CPR, defibrillation, intubation, or cardiac medications, and other resuscitative measures if your heart stops or you stop breathing.
Download the Official Ohio Do Not Resuscitate Form (PDF) – Updated 2025
This is the exact form approved by the Ohio Department of Health (last revised 2023, still current in 2025). I keep this link updated annually for my clients.
Ohio offers two ways to make your DNR status immediately recognizable:
Most individuals choose the broader DNR Comfort Care option because it activates the moment the form is valid, not only after arrest.
| DNR Comfort Care | DNR Comfort Care - Arrest | |
|---|---|---|
| When protocol begins | Immediately upon valid execution | Only when pulse or breathing stops |
| CPR withheld | Yes, at any time | Only after arrest |
| Most commonly chosen | Yes (recommended for hospice & terminal illness) | Rarely |
Under Ohio law, you may execute a DNR order if you are:
Source: Ohio Department of Health – Advance Directives
Important: The form is NOT valid until both the patient (or representative) AND licensed provider have signed.
Emergency responders are trained to look in these locations:
No. Once properly executed, an Ohio Do Not Resuscitate order remains valid indefinitely unless you revoke it.
You may revoke at any time by:
No. Only the patient (or authorized representative) and a physician/CNP/CNS/PA signature are required.
Generally no. Ohio only recognizes its own standardized form. Bring this up with your physician if you split time between states.
No for emergency responders. EMS personnel require the official Ohio DNR form or identifier. A living will only activates when two physicians certify you are terminal or permanently unconscious.
No. If the form is valid and present, Ohio law prohibits anyone—including family—from overriding your DNR wishes in the field.
Not necessarily, but many physicians prefer to re-sign a fresh copy for their records.
Ohio does not currently use MOLST or POLST forms. The DNR Comfort Care protocol serves the same purpose and is the only portable out-of-hospital order recognized statewide.
In my practice, I’ve sat with hundreds of families at kitchen tables discussing these exact forms. The peace of mind a properly completed Ohio Do Not Resuscitate form provides is immeasurable—especially for those with terminal illness, advanced age, or strong personal beliefs about end-of-life care.
Taking 15 minutes today to complete and distribute this form can prevent unwanted resuscitation attempts and ensure your wishes are respected tomorrow.
Download link again: Free Ohio DNR Comfort Care Form (2025)
Disclaimer: This article and template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a licensed Ohio attorney or your physician to ensure your advance directives meet current legal requirements.
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