Glossary

POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)

Definition
A portable medical order signed by a physician that specifies what life-sustaining treatments a seriously ill or frail patient does and does not want.

POLST (called MOLST in some states) is for people with serious illness or advanced age. Unlike a living will, which expresses wishes, a POLST is an actual medical order that EMTs and hospitals must follow.

The form covers CPR, intubation, ventilation, antibiotics, artificial nutrition, and overall goals of care. It travels with the patient between settings.

See also

Related terms

  • Healthcare Proxy (Healthcare Power of Attorney) — A legal document that names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make them yourself.
  • Living Will (Advance Directive) — A written statement of the medical treatments you would or would not want if you became seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself.
  • Hospice vs. Palliative Care — Palliative care is comfort-focused care available at any stage of a serious illness; hospice is palliative care for someone with a life expectancy of six months or less who has chosen to stop curative treatment.

Sources

Sandwich is a directory and information site. This glossary is not legal, medical, or financial advice. For decisions that affect your family, consult a licensed professional. Editorial policy.

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