Get NJ POLST 2014-2024

Like a DNR, a POLST form lets EMS know whether or not the patient wants CPR. DNR orders only apply when a person does not have a pulse, is not breathing and is unresponsive. However, in most medical emergencies, a person does have a pulse, is breathing or is responsive. That's where POLST is different.

The Practitioner Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form enables patients to indicate their preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment.

National POLST strongly recommends, but does not require, the patient's signature, attestation, or witnessed verbal consent on POLST forms.

A POLST form is a medical order that should be completed by your provider. Patients should not be provided a POLST form to complete on their own. A POLST form should never be completed without a conversation with the patient, or his/her surrogate, about diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options and goals of care.

An advance directive is a direction from the patient, not a medical order. In contrast, a POLST form consists of a set of medical orders that applies to a limited population of patients and addresses a limited number of critical medical decisions.

Verbal consent from the patient/decisionmaker is permissible in ance with facility/community policy.

The POLST must be signed by the MD/APN and voluntarily by the individual with de- cision-making capacity or by the individual's authorized agent in ance with the individual's known preferences or in the best interest of the individual.

Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) The EMSA approved POLST form must be signed and dated by a physician, or a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant acting under the supervision of the physician, and the patient or legally recognized health care decisionmaker.