What is a POLST?

A POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a medical order designed for seriously ill or frail patient at the end-of-life to ensure their treatment preferences are honored during medical emergencies. It translates a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation, intubation, mechanical ventilation, and other life-sustaining treatments into a clear, actionable order for healthcare providers.

Unlike advance directives, which are broader legal documents that anyone can complete to express their future healthcare wishes, a POLST form is specifically for individuals who are seriously ill or near the end-of-life. It must be signed by both the patient (or their legal decision-maker) and a healthcare provider, making it an immediately legal medical order. POLST forms are intended to follow patients across different care settings (e.g., from home to the hospital).