What is the term for a written document that gives medical personnel permission not to attempt resuscitation?

The correct term for a written document that grants medical personnel permission not to attempt resuscitation is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. This document specifically instructs healthcare providers that if the patient's heart stops or they stop breathing, resuscitation efforts such as CPR should not be initiated.

DNR orders are vital for patients who may be facing terminal conditions or serious health issues, allowing them to express their wishes regarding resuscitation in advance. This document emphasizes the principle of patient autonomy, ensuring that an individual’s preferences are respected in critical situations.

While living wills and advance directives may include instructions about medical treatment preferences, they are broader documents that might cover a range of medical decisions, not limited solely to resuscitation. A health care proxy, on the other hand, designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient when they are unable to do so, but it does not by itself outline specific treatment preferences like a DNR order. Thus, a DNR order explicitly addresses the issue of resuscitation, making it the correct answer.