Because the POLST form is a medical order, emergency medical personnel are required to follow its instructions regarding CPR and other emergency medical care. The POLST form is printed on bright pink paper so it will be easily recognizable by all health care personnel.

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.

Generally, yes, so long as it is valid (with required signatures and dates). Check with your state contact to confirm (look up at .polst.org/map; click on your state).

Photocopies and FAXes of signed POLST forms are legal and valid. A copy should be retained in patient's medical record, on Ultra Pink paper when possible.

The POLST is generally a one page, two-sided uniquely identifiable form. It is printed on brightly colored heavy paper – fluorescent pink, bright yellow, or lime green. It is placed in the front of a patient's medical chart and accompanies the patient when hospitalized, transferred to another facility or discharged.

Print BOTH pages as a double-sided form on a single sheet of paper. Health care providers should complete this form only after a conversation with their patient or the patient's representative.

The DNR guides Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers and can give EMS permission not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), whereas a POLST might include a DNR instruction regarding CPR, but provides more instructions regarding additional medical interventions.