[Chickensoup]

Hospitals have been trying to be the final arbitrators of DNRs for the elderly, and the disabled. It was an issue that was fought by Dr Dobson and the family research center years ago.

We apparently lost because I am hearing of a number of people who have been sedated to death.

[gas_dr]

I must disagree with your assumption of patients being sedated to death. That is an incorrect statement. Further DNR is entered on a physicians order only. A hospital cannot do this on its own and I know of no physician who changes a code status without a witnessed conversation and very clear communication.

[Osage Orange]

Um...everywhere I have worked. When DNR's are signed by the patient or by a family member that has the POA.

They are honored. Every place I have worked..@ respects the pt's wishes.

I've NEVER seen a person sedated to death....I have seen pt's with DNR's made comfortable in their final hours.