They can, and apparently do. However, in a situation where emergency resuscitation is needed, stopping and checking the bracelet takes time. Maybe only a matter of 10 seconds or so. Of course that could still be the difference between life and death. Or maybe the difference between full recovery and permanent brain damage.
I'm sure the DNR is also on the patient's chart as well, but the hospital staff don't have time to waste checking a chart, or even trying to read what is written on a bracelet. They need to act immediately.
Take your stupid Livestrong bracelet off when you are admitted to the hospital, and if a friend or relative brings you one while you are in the hospital, don't put it on.
If you are in a car wreck and arrive unconscious, you may not be able to remove the braclet while entering a hospital. The hospital should err on the side of caution.
If someone is going to have a DNR, it should be etched onto a metal medical bracelet like ANYONE ELSE with medical information on person.
They shouldn’t designate a crips/bloods kind of color coding for whether anyone at all will be denied medical attention in an emergency.