Do Texas healthcare professionals have to honor out-of-state DNR orders?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only with a court order
• D. Only if the patient has a Texas DNR as well

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that patient autonomy extends across state lines when it comes to resuscitation decisions. A valid Do Not Resuscitate order from another state should be honored by Texas healthcare professionals because it reflects the patient’s wishes about CPR and life-sustaining treatment, and it remains in effect even when the patient is in Texas, as long as the order is valid and properly executed in its issuing state.

For an out-of-state DNR to be recognized, it must meet the standards of the issuing state (authorizing clinician, patient identification, date, and clear scope of the DNR) and be in effect at the time care is provided. There’s no requirement for a court order to honor it. A Texas DNR is not a prerequisite for recognizing the out-of-state order, though having one could aid in alignment of directives. If there’s doubt about the order’s validity or if it conflicts with other directives, clinicians follow institutional policies and seek appropriate guidance, but the default is to honor a valid out-of-state DNR.