What Is a POLST Form? Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Explained
By CRYSTAL BAI •
The short answer: A POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a brightly colored medical order form signed by a physician that translates a seriously ill patient's end-of-life wishes into immediately actionable clinical instructions — including decisions about CPR, hospitalization, and artificial nutrition.
What Makes POLST Different from an Advance Directive
An advance directive is a personal document expressing your general wishes — it must be interpreted by medical providers in each new situation. A POLST is a physician-signed medical order that takes effect immediately in any clinical setting. Emergency responders, nursing home staff, and hospital teams must follow POLST instructions.
Who Should Have a POLST?
POLST is designed for people with serious illness, advanced frailty, or limited life expectancy — typically those in the last year or two of life. It is not appropriate for healthy individuals (for whom a standard advance directive is sufficient). A POLST is especially important for people who receive care in multiple settings — home, nursing facility, hospital — as it travels with the patient.
What a POLST Covers
Section A — CPR: Attempt CPR or Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR)
Section B — Medical interventions: Comfort measures only, limited additional interventions, or full treatment
Section C — Artificial nutrition: Long-term feeding tube, trial period, or no artificial nutrition
How to Get a POLST
A POLST must be completed with a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Death doulas and advance care planning facilitators can help prepare for this conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a POLST form?
A POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a medical order form signed by a physician that translates a seriously ill patient's end-of-life wishes into immediately actionable clinical instructions about CPR, hospitalization, and artificial nutrition.
Who needs a POLST form?
POLST is designed for people with serious illness, advanced frailty, or limited life expectancy — typically those in the last 1–2 years of life. Healthy individuals should have a standard advance directive instead.
What is the difference between a POLST and a DNR?
A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) addresses only CPR. A POLST is broader — it covers CPR, level of medical intervention desired, and artificial nutrition decisions. A POLST may include a DNR or may specify that resuscitation should be attempted.
Renidy connects grieving families with certified death doulas, funeral planners, and end-of-life guides. Find support at Renidy.com.