POLST for Patients

1

2

3

4

Manage Your POLST Form

Managing your POLST form is just as important as completing it.

Knowing where to keep it and how to update or void it, and ensuring your loved ones and care team are aware of it helps make sure your wishes are honored when every moment counts. It is also important to regularly review your form at least annually, any time your condition changes or when where you are residing changes.

Where to Keep Your POLST Form

A copy of your POLST form will be included in your medical record just like all your other medical orders and prescriptions. You will keep the original form, which you should keep at home in a visible location that is known to your caregivers. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of the form with you when you leave home, ideally in your wallet or purse with your ID. It can also be helpful to keep it digitally stored on your phone.

Tell Your Family and Care Partners That You Have a POLST Form

Having a POLST form is the first important step to ensuring your wishes are followed, but it’s also very important that you tell the people closest to you that you have a form and where you keep it. While emergency personnel are trained to look for a form, their job will be much easier if your family, friends, or caregivers can quickly point them to it and help communicate your wishes.

How to Change or Void Your POLST Form

You can void your POLST form on your own, but since it is a medical order signed by a provider, you cannot edit it. If you want to change it, tell your provider the changes you want and sign a new, updated form.

If you want to void your POLST form, draw a line across the form and write “VOID” in large letters or destroy the form. IMPORTANT: Tell your provider you voided your form, so that they can void it in your medical record and, if you live in a state with a POLST registry, remove it from the registry.

Make Sure Your Advance Directive and POLST Agree

You should confirm that your advance directives and POLST are aligned, meaning that they support the same goals and don’t conflict.

FAQs About Managing Your POLST Form

  • What should I do with my POLST form?

    Your provider will give you the original copy of your POLST and will keep a copy in your medical record.

    • Keep a copy of your POLST form in your purse or wallet near your ID. If you are not at home, emergency personnel will look there to find it.
    • If you are home, post it on your refrigerator or put it beside your bed or in your medicine cabinet. Emergency personnel will look for it in those places.
    • Tell your family and care partners you have a POLST form and where you keep it, so they can tell emergency personnel to look for it.

    If you are in a health care setting like a hospital or nursing home, your POLST form will be in your chart. You will be given your original POLST form if you go from one care setting to another.

  • Are faxed or photocopies of my POLST form valid?

    In almost all states, yes.

  • Will my POLST form be honored in another state?

    Most likely, yes, but there are some limitations. If you are traveling to another state, it is a good idea to take your Advance Directive and your POLST form with you. Both documents, even if not legally binding, will help healthcare professionals know your wishes and a new POLST form can be completed.

    If you are moving, you should bring your POLST form with you to your first appointment with your new health care professional to put your wishes on that state’s POLST form. You should also talk to your attorney about updating your advance directive as some states require you use a specific form in order for your advance directive to be valid.

Your Next Step

Check Your State Resources Page

Finally, check our state resources section to view the contacts and resources available in your state. To get the POLST form that is approved in your state, you may find the correct form on your state POLST website and you may get it by asking your doctor or healthcare provider.

State Programs