Final answer:
A valid "cease resuscitation" or DNR order is typically issued based on a patient's wishes through a living will or advance directive. Healthcare providers are the authorities generally empowered to issue such an order, which might be influenced by the patient's condition and applicable legal considerations in specific cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Authorities that may issue a valid "cease resuscitation" order, commonly referred to as a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, are generally outlined in each jurisdiction's laws and healthcare protocols. These orders are usually made by a qualified healthcare provider based on the patient's wishes, which are typically expressed in a living will or advance directive. The living will details specific interventions a person wants or does not want, in the event that they are unable to communicate their decisions due to incapacity.
Furthermore, the context of passive euthanasia, as seen in voluntary passive euthanasia, involves the patient's consent through an advance directive. In circumstances where the patient cannot provide consent, such as in cases of nonvoluntary passive euthanasia, a healthcare proxy or surrogate decision-maker might step in, especially when a living will is not present.
Ultimately, decisions on whether or not to issue a DNR are influenced by several factors including the patient's written wishes, their condition, and applicable laws, which may vary if the situation involves sensitive cases like that of a pregnant individual on life support.