Understanding POLST Forms: What They Are and Who Needs Them
POLST forms are powerful medical documents. Learn what they do, how they differ from advance directives, and who should have one.
POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) forms are medical orders that travel with patients and are followed by emergency responders. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a POLST?
A POLST is a medical order (not just a preference document) that:
- Is signed by both patient and physician
- Must be followed by healthcare providers
- Travels with the patient between care settings
- Is recognized by EMS and emergency departments
POLST vs. Advance Directive
| Advance Directive | POLST |
| General wishes and preferences | Specific medical orders |
| Signed by individual only | Signed by patient AND physician |
| For anyone who wants one | For seriously ill patients |
| May need interpretation | Clear, actionable orders |
Who Should Have a POLST?
POLST is typically for people who:
- Have serious illness or frailty
- Are in the last year of life
- Have advance chronic conditions
- Reside in long-term care facilities
- Have clear preferences about life-sustaining treatment
What Does a POLST Cover?
- Section A: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Section B: Medical interventions (comfort, limited, full treatment)
- Section C: Artificially administered nutrition
How to Get a POLST
- Have a conversation with your loved one about their wishes
- Discuss with their physician or nurse practitioner
- Complete the form together
- Both sign the document
- Keep original with patient (often on refrigerator or by bed)
Note: POLST forms may have different names in different states (MOLST, POST, COLST, etc.).