The POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is intended for any individual with serious health conditions.
The POLST form asks for information about:
- your preferences for resuscitation
- medical conditions
- the use of antibiotics
- artificially administered fluids and nutrition
The POLST form is voluntary and is intended to help you and your physician discuss and develop plans to reflect your wishes, assist physicians, nurses, health care facilities and emergency personnel in honoring your wishes for life-sustaining treatment, and direct appropriate treatment by Emergency Medical Services personnel.
The POLST form will translate your wishes as expressed in your health care directive and/or durable power of attorney into clear and specific medical orders.
A POLST form can be obtained at your physician's office.