No-code orders: legal aspects--what are they?

Abstract

A no-code order creates the least liability risk if it is in writing, if it is discussed with next of kin who then agree(s) that it is appropriate, and if the medical records uniformly document that the patient is unsalvageable. No-code orders should be written concisely, and variations requiring less than a full resuscitation effort never should be given and written. If the patient's condition results from a complication of the attending physician's care, the no-node order should not originate from that physician.