InfoLAW: Consent for CPR

CPR is treatment

The combination of chest compressions, artificial ventilation and medications is commonly referred to as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Because of its potential benefit if implemented immediately, CPR has become a default treatment for cardiac arrest in many institutions, meaning that it will be implemented in all cases of cardiac arrest unless there is an explicit order against it. Unfortunately, CPR can revive only some patients. Like other medical interventions, it will not benefit every patient and can result in undesired injury.

When a patient declines CPR or will not benefit from it, a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order can be written. Health care facilities commonly have a policy setting out the process of obtaining a DNR order, the form it is to take, and the method for disseminating this information to the health care team. However, a DNR order on its own lacks specificity and could be misinterpreted to mean ‘do not treat.’ A plan of treatment, which may include a ‘no CPR’ order, documented on the patient record should eliminate any ambiguity.¹ For example, a terminally ill patient may decline chest compressions, intubation, and resuscitation medications when the end of their life naturally occurs but request that their ‘no CPR’ order be suspended while they undergo a surgical procedure to assist with their comfort. It is reasonable to suspend the ‘no CPR’ order in the intra- and post-operative period for reversible problems directly related to the surgery or anaesthesia. A plan of treatment which outlines this, along with the appropriate consent for surgery, will ensure the patient receives care appropriate to the situation.

What if a patient does not want CPR but their family does?

A patient who has the capacity to consent to treatment is one who understands the nature of the decision to be made and the consequences of his decision, including the decision to decline treatment. A capable patient is the only one with legal authority to accept or decline CPR, in spite of family disagreement or distress. If this patient then becomes gravely ill and incapable of making treatment decisions, the patient’s previously expressed wishes on resuscitation must be followed.²

What if the patient demands CPR but it would be ineffective?

Nurses are required to use their skill, experience, and knowledge to benefit the patient. Treatment options and alternatives should be presented to a patient and discussed after which an agreed care plan can be created. The care plan must be based on the patient’s current and anticipated health status, current best practices and goals of treatment. Since CPR is treatment, it does not have to be offered to all patients. Health care professionals cannot be forced to provide treatment that is contrary to their professional obligations. When it is clear to health professionals that CPR would not be effective, sensitivity and diplomacy must be used to present appropriate elements in the care plan to the patient, knowing the plan cannot be acted upon without the patient’s consent.

What should I do when the doctor refuses to comply with the hospital policy on CPR?

It is medically inappropriate and legally risky to do CPR on a patient who would not benefit from it or who has decided against it. When a doctor fails to comply with the CPR policy, the reason for not doing so should be determined. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be found, it would be prudent to notify management that their policy, designed to provide good patient care, is not being followed. It is a health care facility’s responsibility to ensure that staff and healthcare providers are adhering to provision of care policies, and it may be considered negligence if a health care facility fails to enforce its own policies.³

What can the health care team do to achieve the best patient care?

• Ascertain who has the legal authority to consent to treatment. If it is a substitute decision-maker, document appropriately and communicate this information with team members.
• Identify any organizational policy on the appropriate way to communicate a patient’s resuscitation status among the healthcare team.
• Devise a care plan based on the patient’s current and anticipated status. A care plan may provide for the withholding or withdrawal of treatment in light of the patient’s health condition and the patient’s informed consent to the care plan.
• Document the actions of the health team according to organizational policy, particularly in the case of documenting a resuscitation. During a resuscitation, the usual documentation standard (the nurse who does the care records the care) can be suspended if a recorder is designated.
• Work towards improving the policy or the professional practice if the health facility’s DNR or CPR policy does not reflect current best practice, lacks specificity, or is ignored.

CNPS beneficiaries can contact CNPS at 1-800-267-3390 to speak with a member of CNPS legal counsel. All calls are confidential.

1. Health Care Consent Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 2, Sch. A, s. 2 contains the following definitions:
   

   “treatment” means anything that is done for a therapeutic, preventive, palliative, diagnostic, cosmetic or other health-related purpose, and includes a course of treatment, plan of treatment or community treatment plan.

   “plan of treatment” means a plan that:

   1. is developed by one or more health practitioners,
   2. deals with one or more of the health problems that a person has and may, in addition, deal with one or more of the health problems that the person is likely to have in the future given the person’s current health condition, and
   3. provides for the administration to the person of various treatments or courses of treatment and may, in addition, provide for the withholding or withdrawal of treatment in light of the person’s current health condition.

2. For more detail, refer to infoLAW, Consent to Treatment: The Role of the Nurse and infoLAW, Consent for the Incapable Adult.
3. College of Nurses of Ontario, “Ask Practice: DNR orders,” July 1, 2023.

April 2006 (Reviewed October 2024)

THIS PUBLICATION IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. NOTHING IN THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE FROM ANY LAWYER, CONTRIBUTOR OR THE CNPS. READERS SHOULD CONSULT LEGAL COUNSEL FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE.