Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

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Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

The Department of Health (DOH) Office of Emergency Medical Services & Trauma System (OEMSTS) in conjunction with the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) has implemented a new form, which will allow individuals to summarize their wishes regarding end of life treatment.

The new Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is a “portable” physician order form that describes the patient’s code directions. 

•        It is intended to go with the patient from one health care setting to another. 

•        It represents a way of summarizing wishes of an individual regarding life-sustaining treatment identified in an advanced directive such as a Healthcare Directive or Durable Power of Attorney for Health care and includes the following:

1.     Patient wishes for resuscitation

2.     Medical interventions

3.     Antibiotics

4.     Artificial feedings

The form is available from WSMA via the link below

Previously completed and signed EMS-No CPR forms will continue to be honored by prehospital EMS personnel.

'More information on the POLST program and educational materials, including how to order the form, can be found at the WSMA website at http://www.wsma.org/patient_resources/polst.cfm'

 

 

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