Do Not Attempt Resuscitation Orders in Our Schools: The Unthinkable Ethical Dilemma for Educators

Article discusses “Do Not Attempt Resuscitate” (DNAR) orders describing their effects on educators and schools. Author recognizes how the legal and practical considerations are highly complex, and how this issue is very emotionally charged. Focuses on the dilemma faced by educators when they are forced to follow DNAR orders, and how schools are not equipped to address these issues. Part 1 explores what is a DNAR order and how prevalent it is in schools.  The second part discusses medically fragile students who attend school and the relationship of special education to DNARs.  Section three explores school responses to DNARs, including state guidelines. The duty that educators owe to their students is the focus of the fourth section.  The fifth part follows up with a discussion of the legal responses to a DNAR.  The next section addresses the ethical dilemma that confronts educators of students with these orders.  The article concludes with a summation of ethical actions.View More