Does Oregon have a POLST?
The Oregon Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) program is designed to assure that the medical treatment wishes expressed by the patient are honored by health care professionals as the patient moves from one health care setting to another.
Does POLST have to be on pink paper?
It is recommended that POLST be copied on bright pink paper to help ensure that the document stands out and is followed. However, POLST on any color paper is valid.
Are POLST forms legally binding?
What is required for a POLST to be legally binding? The only requirement for a POLST form to be legally binding is for it to be signed by the patient or a representative and the patient’s legal healthcare representative.
Can a POLST document only be used by a physician?
The POLST form is not valid until it is signed by you (or if you are not able, your appropriate decisionmaker) AND your physician/nurse practitioner/physician assistant.
When should you get a POLST?
POLST is for people who are seriously ill or have advanced frailty. If you are healthy, an advance directive is for you.
Do POLST forms expire?
As currently drafted, POLST forms easily meet the challenges of COVID-19 and treating patients during crisis standards of care. Our COVID policy provides guidance on how to appropriately Complete POLST Forms During Crisis Standards of Care. POLST forms should not expire or have expiration dates.
Does POLST need to be signed by patient?
The POLST form is a medical order and must be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant to be valid (depends on state law). Each form has a statement or attestation that the health care professional’s signature on the form indicates the orders on the form reflect the patient’s treatment wishes.
Does a POLST override an advance directive?
No. A POLST form complements the advance directive — it does not replace it.
Does a POLST supercede advance directive?
Does a POLST form replace an advance directive? No. A POLST form complements the advance directive — it does not replace it. All adults should have an advance directive but an advance directive does not give medial orders.
When should POLST form be completed?
A health care professional, usually a doctor, nurse, or social worker, completes the form after having a conversation with the patient to understand his/her wishes and goals of care. Both a doctor and the patient must sign the POLST form in order for it to be valid.