Parental Rights in Minor DNR Decisions for Medicare and Medicaid
New rules strengthen the rights of parents and legal guardians in making Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) or similar medical decisions for unemancipated minors covered by Medicare and Medicaid. They mandate informing parents and obtaining their consent, and provide options for transferring the child to another facility.
Key points
Requires consent from at least one parent or legal guardian before issuing a DNR order for a minor, with an attempt to inform the other parent.
Parents or guardians can refuse consent for a DNR order, and facilities cannot withhold life-sustaining procedures against their objection unless death is conclusively established.
Allows transfer of a minor patient to another facility within 48 hours of DNR notification, with life support continued for 15 days during transfer efforts.
Prohibits basing DNR decisions solely on a child's disability, unless treatment is physiologically futile and objectively documented.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_5656
Sponsor: Rep. LaTurner, Jake [R-KS-2]
Process start date: 2021-10-21