title: The legal status of 'no code orders'.
abstract: No code orders, lacking explicit definition and direct legal authority, pose many liability hazards for hospital medical staffs dealing with terminally ill patients. The decision to withhold life-support procedures must consider the high risk involved. Various situations that might entail no code orders are presented along with suggestions concerning the use of these orders.
mesh_terms: D008020:Life Support Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008318:Malpractice; D008499:Medical Records / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States; D028761:Withholding Treatment