Florida Living Will vs. Health Care Surrogate vs. DNRO
Three documents with different jobs: wishes, decision-maker, and an EMS resuscitation order.
Start here
A living will states treatment wishes in specified end-stage situations. A health-care surrogate names a decision-maker. A Florida DNRO is the yellow medical order EMS uses to withhold resuscitation; the other documents do not replace it.
What to have in front of you
- The notice, bill, decision, or discharge paperwork connected to the problem
- The person’s full name, date of birth, address, insurance information, and identification
- A short timeline with dates, names, phone calls, and what changed
- Copies of medical, school, financial, or care records that directly support the request
What to say when someone answers
“We need to complete the correct documents. Please explain which form states wishes, which names a decision-maker, and whether a separate yellow DNRO is needed for EMS.”
Small but useful: Write down the person’s name, the date, the exact next step, and when you should call again.
Do this in order
- 1
Complete a health-care surrogate designation naming a primary and alternate and decide when authority begins.
- 2
Complete a living will reflecting the person’s values and treatment choices.
- 3
Discuss a DNRO with an authorized clinician when the person wants no attempted resuscitation.
- 4
Distribute copies to the surrogate, doctors, hospital, hospice, facility, and family; keep the DNRO visible.
What happens next
Advance directives guide clinicians and representatives; the DNRO directs emergency responders on resuscitation. Documents can be changed or revoked under applicable rules.
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
If family members disagree, ask the clinician and facility ethics or social-work team to review the valid documents before a crisis.
Official sources
Checked August 5, 2026. Programs, hours, funding, and enrollment lists can change. Confirm details directly before relying on them.