AND
Medical abbreviation · Emergency Medicine
| Stands for | Allow natural death |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
AND stands for Allow natural death, an emergency medicine abbreviation.
Alternative wording for a DNR order that emphasizes allowing death to occur naturally with comfort-focused care, rather than describing what is withheld. Some hospitals use it on forms and order sets.
Example: Family prefers AND order; hospice consult placed.
Usage notes
Proponents argue "allow natural death" is easier for families to accept than "do not resuscitate". Studies suggest people are more likely to agree to an order named AND. Legally, it works like a DNR, and teams should still specify which other treatments are wanted.
Related abbreviations
More emergency medicine abbreviations
- ACEP – American College of Emergency Physicians
- ACLS – Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- AD – Advance directive
- ALS – Advanced life support
- AMA – Against medical advice
- AMLS – Advanced Medical Life Support
- ATLS – Advanced Trauma Life Support
- BIBA – Brought in by ambulance
- BIBEMS – Brought in by emergency medical services
- BLS – Basic life support
- BSI – Body substance isolation
- BVM – Bag-valve-mask
See all 97 emergency medicine abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.