POLST 

 

1. Translates Wishes to Medical Orders: It turns a patient’s goals into clear medical orders, detailing choices ranging from full life-sustaining interventions to comfort-care only.
2. Target Population: It is designed for individuals of any age with an advanced, progressing serious illness or frailty, where death within the next year would not be unexpected.
3. Not for Stable Disabilities: It is explicitly not meant for individuals living with chronic, stable disabilities unless their health declines to a terminal state.
4. Completely Voluntary: Completing a form is entirely optional, and a patient can change or revoke their orders at any time. 
5. Requires Three Signatures: To become legally valid, the form must be discussed and signed by the patient (or their legal representative), an attending physician, and a witness. 
6. Emergency Interventions: Without this form or an official state DNR directive, emergency medical personnel are legally required to use every life-saving measure possible.
7. State-Specific Customization: Because end-of-life care regulations are managed at the state level rather than federally, forms vary by state to comply with local laws.