Provider Order of Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)
Overview
A Provider Order of Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a medical order that specifies the types of medical treatments a person wishes to receive toward the end of life. Unlike an advance directive, a POLST is a medical order signed by both a healthcare provider and the patient (or their representative) that must be followed by healthcare professionals.
Key Components of a POLST
Medical Interventions
- Full Treatment: Including intubation and intensive care
- Limited Treatment: Avoiding intensive care but allowing hospitalization
- Comfort-Focused Treatment: Focusing on pain relief and symptom management
Specific Orders
-
CPR Preferences
- Whether to attempt resuscitation
- DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) options
-
Artificial Nutrition
- Long-term feeding tube decisions
- Short-term nutrition trial preferences
Differences from Other Advance Care Documents
POLST vs. Advance Directive
- POLST: Medical order for current medical situation
- Advance Directive: Legal document for future medical decisions
POLST vs. DNR
- POLST: Comprehensive medical orders
- DNR: Limited to resuscitation decisions
Common Uses and Implementation
When to Complete a POLST
- Serious illness or frailty
- Limited life expectancy
- Specific treatment preferences
Who Should Have a POLST
- Elderly with chronic conditions
- Terminally ill patients
- Individuals with clear treatment preferences
FAQ Section
Q: Who can sign a POLST form?
A: A healthcare provider and the patient or their legal representative must sign the form.
Q: Can a POLST be changed?
A: Yes, it can be modified or revoked at any time by the patient or their representative.
Q: Is a POLST valid across state lines?
A: While many states honor POLST forms, it's important to check specific state requirements.
Summary
A POLST form is a crucial medical order that helps ensure end-of-life care aligns with patient wishes. It provides clear, actionable instructions for healthcare providers and differs from other advance care documents in its immediate applicability and medical order status. Understanding and properly implementing a POLST can significantly impact the quality of end-of-life care received.
Important Considerations
- Regular review and updates
- Communication with family members
- Accessibility to healthcare providers
- Coordination with other advance care planning documents
Note: Laws regarding POLST forms vary by state. Consult with local healthcare providers and legal professionals for specific guidance.
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Related Terms
Here are some related terms that are relevant to the estate planning term "Provider Order of Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)":
- Advance directive
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order
- End-of-life care
- Palliative care
- Terminal illness
- Life-sustaining treatment
- Medical orders
- Healthcare proxy
- Living will
- Durable power of attorney for healthcare
- Quality of life
- Hospice care
- Artificial nutrition and hydration
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Intubation
- Intensive care
- Comfort care
- Symptom management
- Patient autonomy
- Informed consent
- Shared decision-making
- Advance care planning
These terms are commonly associated with the POLST form and the broader context of end-of-life care planning. They cover various aspects of medical decision-making, treatment options, and legal/ethical considerations surrounding the provision of life-sustaining care.
