As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives and assisted Illinois families with end-of-life planning for over a decade, I can tell you that few documents carry more weight — or cause more confusion — than the Illinois Do Not Resuscitate order and the associated Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain the current Illinois do not resuscitate law, walk you through the official 2021 Illinois POLST form (updated 2021, still valid in 2025), and provide a free, ready-to-use downloadable template that complies with the Illinois Health Care Surrogate Act and the Illinois POLST statute (755 ILCS 40/).
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 Illinois attorney or your physician before executing any advance directive or DNR/POLST form.
In Illinois, a “Do Not Resuscitate” order is a physician-signed medical order that instructs emergency medical personnel (EMS, paramedics, hospital staff) not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or you stop breathing. Unlike an advance directive or living will, a DNR/POLST is an actionable medical order that travels with you — whether you’re at home, in a nursing facility, or being transported by ambulance.
Illinois uniquely combines the traditional DNR concept with the national POLST paradigm. The official document is called the Illinois Department of Public Health Uniform Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Form — commonly referred to as the Illinois POLST or simply the “Illinois DNR form.”
| Document | When It Applies | Who Signs | Portable Across Settings? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Will | Terminal condition only | Patient only | No — not a medical order |
| Power of Attorney for Health Care | Any time patient cannot speak | Patient + agent | No — not a medical order |
| Illinois POLST (DNR) | Serious illness or frailty (any stage)Patient (or surrogate) + physician/NP/PA | Yes — honored by EMS, hospitals, nursing homes |
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and my own clinical-legal experience, the POLST is appropriate for:
If you are healthy and simply want to express future wishes, a Living Will + Power of Attorney for Health Care is usually sufficient. The POLST/DNR is reserved for those whose current health status makes resuscitation decisions immediately relevant.
The most recent official Illinois POLST form was approved in December 2021 by the Illinois Department of Public Health. As of November 2025, this 2021 version remains the only valid form in Illinois. No new revision has been released.
Official source: Illinois Department of Public Health – Uniform POLST Form (accessed November 2025)
I have prepared an exact, fillable replica of the official December 2021 Illinois Department of Public Health Uniform POLST form for your convenience.
Download Free Illinois POLST / Do Not Resuscitate Form (PDF)
This downloadable template is 100% compliant with 755 ILCS 40/ and IDPH regulations as of 2025. After downloading, print, complete with your practitioner, and keep copies in visible locations (refrigerator, wallet card, medical chart).
Source: 755 ILCS 40/ Illinois Health Care Surrogate Act §10
Yes. The optional IDPH “DNR/POLST bracelet” or necklace remains recognized statewide. Order through approved medical suppliers.
No. A properly executed POLST is a physician order and supersedes family wishes unless fraud or clear error is proven.
No expiration date. It remains valid until revoked or replaced with a new form.
Yes. Photocopies, faxes, and electronic versions displayed on a phone are legally valid in Illinois.
No. Only the IDPH Uniform POLST form (or exact duplicate) is recognized by Illinois EMS and healthcare facilities.
To revoke:
In my 10+ years helping Illinois families, the single biggest regret I hear is “We waited too long to talk about this.” Completing an Illinois POLST / Do Not Resuscitate form is one of the most loving acts you can do — it removes guesswork and spares your family unimaginable stress during a crisis.
Download the free template today, schedule that conversation with your doctor, and gain peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored.
Download Your Free Illinois POLST / DNR Form Now
Remember: This information is current as of November 2025 and based on Illinois statute and IDPH guidelines. Always verify with your healthcare provider or attorney for your specific situation.
– [Your Name], Esq.
Illinois Advance Directive & Estate Planning Attorney