As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives and end-of-life documents for clients across the United States, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for Georgia residents to have immediate access to a correct, up-to-date Georgia Do Not Resuscitate form. Also called the Georgia Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) or Georgia DNR order, this bright orange or yellow form is the only document emergency medical personnel will honor outside a hospital setting when a patient’s heart or breathing stops.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you a free, attorney-reviewed Georgia Do Not Resuscitate form template (updated for 2025 requirements), explain exactly how to complete it, and walk you through the legal rules that most people get wrong. Everything is based on current Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 31-39-1 et seq.) and the official form maintained by the Georgia Department of Public Health.
A Georgia DNR order is a physician-signed medical order that instructs EMS, paramedics, and hospital emergency departments not to perform CPR or other life-saving measures if your heart stops or you stop breathing. Unlike an advance directive or living will (which only applies when you are terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state), a Georgia DNR applies in any situation—including sudden cardiac arrest at home.
The official name in Georgia is now “Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment” (POLST), but most residents and medical personnel still call it the Georgia Do Not Resuscitate form or Georgia DNR.
| Feature | Georgia DNR / POLST | Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care |
|---|---|---|
| Color of form | Bright orange or yellow (required) | Any color / white paper |
| Who signs | Attending physician or APRN + patient (or surrogate) | Only you + two witnesses |
| When it applies | Any cardiac or respiratory arrest | Only terminal illness or persistent vegetative state |
| Honored by EMS outside hospital | Yes – this is the ONLY form they will follow | No – EMS will still attempt resuscitation |
According to the Georgia Code § 31-39-4 and the Georgia Department of Public Health:
Source: Georgia Department of Public Health – Official DNR/POLST Form and CDC Public Health Law Program
I have personally updated this template to match the current Georgia Department of Public Health version as of November 2025. It is provided free for personal use.
Download Georgia Do Not Resuscitate (DNR/POLST) Form – Free PDF (Right-click → Save As)
Print on bright orange or yellow cardstock for maximum visibility. Many families also laminate it and post it on the refrigerator.
In my practice, I’ve seen EMS ignore DNR orders because of these errors:
No. Georgia only honors its own form or forms from states with reciprocity agreements (currently Florida, North Carolina, and a few others). Out-of-state residents wintering in Georgia should complete a Georgia form.
No. Once properly executed, only the patient (or authorized surrogate) can revoke it—even if family members beg EMS to “do everything.”
No expiration date under current law, but it should be reviewed annually or with major health changes.
Yes. The DNR only covers cardiac/respiratory arrest. An Advance Directive covers ventilators, feeding tubes when you are not dying, and appoints a health care agent.
Having helped hundreds of Georgia families execute proper Do Not Resuscitate orders, I cannot stress enough: download the correct form, print it on bright orange paper, and get your doctor’s signature today. Seconds matter in an emergency, and EMS personnel are trained to look for that distinctive color.
Download your free 2025 Georgia Do Not Resuscitate form here: Georgia DNR/POLST Form – Free PDF
Important Disclaimer: This article and template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws change, and your individual situation may require customization. Always consult a licensed Georgia attorney or your physician before executing any advance directive or DNR order.
© 2025 – All rights reserved. Sources: Georgia Code Title 31, Chapter 39; Georgia Department of Public Health; IRS.gov (for reference on related estate/gift tax implications of health care decisions).
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