It is important to make your wishes known with not only your family — but to also have a POLST in place SIGNED by your doctor! This is an official order — otherwise healthcare providers are required to complete all heroic life saving measures.
POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a physician order that empowers seriously ill patients with greater control over their end-of-life care. The POLST form is printed on distinctive bright green paper and must be signed by both the clinician and the patient. It specifies the medical treatments that a patient wishes to receive toward the end of their life.
It’s important to know that if you don’t have a POLST form, emergency responders are required to take measures like CPR in a crisis.
Advanced Directive (also called a “healthcare power of attorney”): Is a legal document that appoints a person or persons to make health care decisions if and when the individual loses the capacity to make health care decisions. It provides guidance and instruction in making lives saving and end-or-life decisions in various situations.
POLST: The National POLST Form is a single form that will make it easier to: Honor patient treatment wishes.
Here are the key steps to complete a POLST form:
- Talk It Over: Have a conversation with your doctor and your loved ones about your care preferences. Discuss important choices, such as whether you want CPR or other medical treatments like machines to help you breathe, antibiotics for infections, or feeding tubes.
- Document Your Choices: Your healthcare provider will document your preferences on the POLST form. This includes specific instructions regarding CPR, intubation, and other life-sustaining treatments.
- Sign and Validate: The form must be signed by both you (or your surrogate) and your healthcare provider (physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner) for it to be legally valid.
- Keep It Visible: Make sure to keep the POLST form somewhere easy to find. Bring it with you if you go to a hospital or other care facility. Many people stick it on their refrigerator or keep it in a binder at home.
- Check In Regularly: Review your POLST form with your doctor from time to time, especially if your health changes or if you want to update your preferences.
If you need documentation to have your needs known ~ you will want to make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss.
If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to CONTACT US!