Michigan law allows for competent adults to complete a form that states they do not wish to be resuscitated if their breathing and heart stops while they are in a home setting.

Sometimes people who are terminally ill choose to live out the remainder of their days at home. When they die, their family members may call an ambulance, and emergency personnel are required to attempt resuscitation. Filling out the Do Not Resuscitate Order allows the personnel to avoid unnecessary resuscitation attempts.

The individual signing the order must keep the document in his/her possession.

A competent adult or the legally appointed patient's advocate of an incompetent adult must sign the order. It must also be signed by the person's physician and two witnesses.

An incompetent adult's advocate may execute the Do Not Resuscitate Order on the adult's behalf. In order for this to happen, the patient must have it stated in their advance directive that the patient advocate may do so.

A Do Not Resuscitate Order can be changed at any time, while you are competent.

If you wish to ensure the order is carried out, you should alert your friends, family, and doctor about it, and make sure they know where they can find it.