As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives and estate planning documents across the United States for over a decade, I’ve helped countless Michigan families create legally valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders — also called Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) or POST forms in some contexts. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you everything you need to understand, complete, and implement a Michigan do not resuscitate form in 2025, including a free, attorney-reviewed downloadable template that complies with Michigan law.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult a licensed Michigan attorney or your physician before executing any advance directive.
A Michigan Do Not Resuscitate order is a physician-signed medical order that instructs emergency medical services (EMS), hospitals, and other healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or you stop breathing. In Michigan, the official name is the “Michigan Do-Not-Resuscitate Order” and it is governed by the Michigan Do-Not-Resuscitate Procedure Act, Public Act 368 of 1978, as amended (MCL 333.1051 to 333.20965).
Source: Michigan Legislature – MCL 333.1051 et seq.
| Document | When It Applies | Who Signs | CPR Performed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan DNR Order | Cardiac or respiratory arrest outside hospital | Patient + Attending Physician (or delegate) | No CPR, no defibrillator, no intubation |
| Advance Directive / Living Will | Terminal illness or persistent vegetative state | Patient only (witnesses) | Does NOT automatically stop EMS from starting CPR |
| Patient Advocate (DPOA-HC) | Any time patient cannot speak for themselves | Patient + 2 witnesses | Can direct no CPR, but EMS may start unless separate DNR exists |
Bottom line: If you never want CPR started by 911 responders, you need the specific Michigan do not resuscitate form — not just an advance directive.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) mandates the following for validity:
Source: MDHHS – Do-Not-Resuscitate Procedure
Click here to download the free Michigan Do Not Resuscitate Form (PDF – updated January 2025)
This attorney-reviewed template is identical to the official MDHHS version and includes:
You may revoke at any time by:
No. Only a handful of states have reciprocity. Carry your advance directive when traveling.
No. EMS and hospitals must honor a properly executed Michigan DNR regardless of family objections.
Most Michigan hospices will facilitate a DNR, but it is not automatic.
Simply destroy the form and remove the bracelet – revocation is immediate.
Having helped families in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and across Michigan execute these orders, I cannot overstate the peace of mind a properly completed Michigan do not resuscitate form provides. It ensures your wishes are respected even when you cannot speak for yourself.
Download your free 2025 Michigan DNR template today, discuss it with your physician, and keep the original on salmon paper where EMS can find it. Your future self — and your loved ones — will thank you.
Download Free Michigan Do Not Resuscitate Form (2025 Version)
Again, this information is not legal advice. Please consult your Michigan physician and attorney to ensure all documents meet your specific needs.
Published January 2025 – Reviewed by Michigan barred attorney with 12+ years estate planning experience.
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