POLST History
What year did POLST development begin?
1991
What must be happening with the patient for us to be taking action on Section A on POLST?
This section only applies if the patient has NO PULSE and is NOT BREATHING.
What is a good way to start the POLST conversation?
Tell me what you know about your medical condition
T/F: Once a POLST is created it cannot be changed.
False: A patient with capacity can, at any time, request alternative treatment.
What does POLST stand for?
Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment
What is the national entity that provides guidance and support to state programs?
National POLST
If patient has pulse and/or is breathing, what section would you look at on POLST?
Section B
What signatures are needed for POLST to become a medical order?
1) Patient or legally recognized decision maker, 2) Physician, NP, or PA
When should POLST be reviewed for any changes to choices?
When the patient's medical condition changes
POLST is designed for people who....?
Have a chronic, progressive, or terminal disease
CA Assembly Bill 3000 established POLST in California. Name one key point of law.
1) One form for the entire state, 2) Use not mandated-voluntary, 3) Honoring form is mandated, 4) Provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for providers who comply in good faith with POLST requests
If a patient chooses "Attempt Resuscitation/CPR" in Section A, then what must the patient choose in section B?
FULL TREATMENT
In California, name someone who can speak for the patient if the patient is not able to speak for themselves?
The person named as medical power of attorney, Parent of a minor, The closest available relative (if the patient has not named someone in an Advance Directive), A court appointed conservator or guardian
How do you VOID a POLST?
Draw a line through sections A-D, writing VOID in large letters, and signed and dating this line.
True or False: POLST originated in California
False: POLST originated in Oregon
Does POLST replace Advance Directives?
No. POLST aims to complement AHCD
If a patient chooses "Do Not Attempt Resuscitation/DNR" in Section A, then what can they choose in Section B?
Do Not Attempt Resuscitation/DNR may be chosen with any of the medical interventions in POLST Section B
In California, the law requires that a healthcare provider assist a patient with completing POLST. Who qualifies as a healthcare provider?
Best practice would include those who are trained in the POLST conversation including physician, MD/DO, nurse, NP, PA, SW, chaplain, or social service designee if trained by the POLST conversation.
POLST belongs to the:
Patient
Who runs the California POLST program?
Coalition for Compassionate Care of California (CCCC)
Is California a mature POLST state?
Yes. West Virginia too!
If a patient selects the "Trial Period of artificial nutrition" in Section C, how long should the trial be?
Undetermined until the time comes to start the trial.
When can a legally recognized decision maker may execute POLST:
If the patient lacks decision-making capacity
If patient has a POLST on a POLST form 2015 version or earlier, what should you do?
Make a new form on a POLST version later than 2015
POLST is easily recognized by its...
Bright Color