Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST form) – 8 Reasons to Complete One

Prior to a medical emergency, is filling out a POLST form (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is an essential step in ensuring that one’s wishes are respected. This easily recognizable form is a valuable tool for families to have those difficult conversations ensuring that individuals receive the health care they want — no more and no less. Here is 8 reasons why older adults should fill out a POLST form.

1. Understanding the POLST Form

The POLST was initially designed for seriously ill individuals regardless of their age. However, older adults are now encouraged to complete the form. A POLST form is a medical document that provides specific instructions about what kind of life-sustaining treatments a person does or does not want to receive in the event of a medical crisis in the community. It goes beyond a living will by providing clear, actionable orders that health care providers must follow. Example decisions to ponder should a person be unable to speak for themself during an emergency:

• Do I want the chest compressions, “all the emergency medicines do everything” CPR?
• Do I want to “Do Not Resuscitate”?
• Do I want a tube down my throat (intubation) for breathing?
• Do I want a feeding tube for artificial nutrition?

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2. Making Your Wishes Known

One of the greatest benefits of completing a POLST form is that it ensures your wishes are known and respected. It’s common for family members to struggle with difficult decisions about life-sustaining treatments when someone has become seriously ill. Having a POLST form provides clarity and removes some of the emotional burden on your loved ones during a difficult time.

3. A Conversation Starter for Familie

Filling out a POLST form can be an important step in opening up a conversation between older adults and their families. Many people avoid discussing end-of-life care out of fear or discomfort, but having documented plan helps ensure that everyone is on the same page. It provides an opportunity to talk about your values, preferences, and the kind of care you’d like to receive.

4. Improving the Quality of Care

With a POLST form in place, medical professionals will have clear instructions about your treatment preferences. This can help prevent unwanted treatments and focus efforts on providing comfort and the care you truly want. It also helps guide your healthcare providers in emergencies, which can lead to better decision-making and overall care.

5. Protecting Your Autonomy

A POLST form ensures that your voice is heard, even when you might be unable to communicate it yourself. This legal form allows you to maintain control over your medical care, so your personal values and wishes are respected at all stages of life. Nurse Tip: Filling it out when the individual is happy and stable health is best!

6. Different States and the POLST Form

Although the POLST form serves a similar purpose across the United States each state has its own version. It is important to familiarize yourself with the POLST form used in your community. Here’s a look at how different states approach the POLST and a map directory here:

• California: The POLST has a distinctive PINK color to make it easily identifiable in medical settings and emergency responders. It is recognized as a legal document that must be signed by both the patient and their healthcare provider to be valid. Download your California form with multiple language options here.
  
• New York: The Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) focuses on “DO NOT RESUSCITATE” (DNR) or “DO NOT INTUBATE” (DNI) depending on the location of the patient, and it is used primarily for patients who have advanced illness or are near the end of life.
  
• Washington: The Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form represents a way of summarizing wishes of an individual regarding life-sustaining treatment. This YELLOW form is intended for any individual with an advanced life-limiting illness.

7. How to Fill Out a POLST Form

To acquire a POLST form, ask any doctors’ office! It can also be easily downloaded from a government regulated website. It is important to collaborate with a healthcare professional to ensure options are fully understood and that the form is completed accurately. The primary care provider (review state rules) can provide advice based on the individual’s current health status and their signature is required. **Caution: if Advanced Directive has been completed, be sure it is not conflicting with the decisions made on the POLST.

8. Where to keep your polst form

Once the form is completed and signed by the primary care provider, there are many ways to make sure the form gets to the correct hands:

• Sumit a copy to your electronic medical records with your primary care provider and/or local hospital
• In the home setting, post it on your refrigerator for easy visibility. Emergency responders may also look in the medicine cabinet.
  • Nurse Tip: Place POLST in a plastic sheet protector, include a dated medications list if possible
• Let family and friends you have a POLST form and its location
• Keep the POLST with you if you are admitted to a nursing rehab or long-term facility
• If you are abroad traveling, keep a copy in your purse or wallet with your identification
• Review the POLST periodically as one’s health significantly changes

Final Thoughts: Take Action Today

Completing a POLST form is an important and empowering step for older adults. It not only helps preserve your autonomy but also strengthens your relationship with your family by ensuring everyone understands and respects your preferences. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make sure an older adult’s voice is heard when it matters most.