What is a...
What is a...
What is the Difference between the Forms?
POLST
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment
- A 1-2 page document that specifies the end-of-life treatments that someone does or does not want.
- Gives directions to medical personnel on treatment orders such as CPR, medical interventions, and artificially administered nutrition.
- Signed by a Physician (or Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant in certain states).
- Is a medical order which health care personnel must follow.
- Recommended for a patient with a serious medical condition, which may include advanced frailty, of any age.
DNR
Do Not Resuscitate Form
- A signed medical order that tells medical personnel not to administer CPR.
- Does not affect other treatments, such as pain medicine, other medicines, or nutrition.
- Unlike a POLST, a DNR only gives instructions about CPR.
Advance Directive
- Outlines how you wish to proceed with your health care in the event you become unable to voice your opinion.
- Can elect a surrogate to make health care decisions when the patient is unable to do so.
- Every person over the age of 18 should have an advance directive whether sick or healthy.
Healthcare Power Of Attorney
- Designates a person to make your decisions in the event of incapacity.