California POLST Form Instructions and Guidelines
This file provides essential information about the California Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form. It covers the background, recent legislation changes, and practical guidance on filling out the form. Essential for healthcare providers and patients to understand their rights and procedures regarding life-sustaining treatments.
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How do I fill this out?
Filling out the POLST form requires careful attention to patient preferences and medical indications. Begin by consulting with the patient or their legal decision-maker, ensuring that their wishes are clearly expressed. Once completed, ensure the form is signed by an authorized healthcare provider.
How to fill out the California POLST Form Instructions and Guidelines?
1
Consult with the patient or their decision-maker to discuss treatment preferences.
2
Fill out the POLST form, ensuring accurate representation of the patient's wishes.
3
Verify the completed form with a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant's signature.
4
Provide a copy to the patient and keep a copy in their medical records.
5
Stay updated with any changes in laws or procedures related to the POLST form.
Who needs the California POLST Form Instructions and Guidelines?
1
Patients with serious illnesses, requiring clear documentation of their treatment preferences.
2
Healthcare providers, to accurately execute the patient's wishes in medical emergencies.
3
Family members or legal decision-makers, needing valid documentation of patient choices.
4
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who require clear guidelines for filling out POLST.
5
Hospitals and medical facilities, needing standard procedures to handle POLST forms.
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What are the instructions for submitting this form?
To submit the completed POLST form, ensure it is properly signed by the patient and authorized healthcare provider. You can submit via fax to the appropriate healthcare facility or email the scanned copy to your medical provider. Always keep a copy for your records and confirm receipt with the receiving facility.
What are the important dates for this form in 2024 and 2025?
The new law under AB 637 took effect on January 1, 2016, allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to sign the POLST form. For compliance, updated forms should be in use immediately. Ensure to monitor any future legislative changes that might impact the form requirements in 2024 and 2025.
What is the purpose of this form?
The POLST form serves to document a patient's preferences for life-sustaining treatments in a clear and legally recognized manner. It empowers patients to make informed decisions regarding their end-of-life care, reducing unnecessary stress for families and healthcare providers. By ensuring that patients' wishes are honored, the POLST form aims to deliver compassionate and appropriate medical care.
Tell me about this form and its components and fields line-by-line.
- 1. Patient Information: Basic details about the patient such as name, date of birth, and contact information.
- 2. Resuscitation Preferences: Choices regarding whether to perform CPR or accept do-not-resuscitate orders.
- 3. Medical Treatment Preferences: Specific instructions about desired treatments at end of life.
- 4. Signature Section: Requires signatures from the patient and the authorized healthcare provider.
- 5. Supervising Physician: Space to provide the name and information of the supervising physician.
What happens if I fail to submit this form?
Failing to submit the POLST form can lead to inappropriate medical interventions against the patient’s wishes. This could result in unnecessary distress for the patient and family members during critical care situations.
- Unclear Medical Instructions: Without a submitted POLST form, healthcare providers may not know the patient’s preferred treatment.
- Potential Legal Complications: Inadequate documentation could create legal issues for healthcare providers.
- Increased Family Stress: Families may face additional burdens if the patient's preferences are not clearly communicated.
How do I know when to use this form?
- 1. Serious Illness Documentation: When patients with serious illnesses desire clarity in their treatment preferences.
- 2. End-of-Life Planning: To ensure patients' wishes are respected during critical medical care.
- 3. Advance Care Planning: Used by families and caregivers to guide decisions when patients can no longer communicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the POLST form?
The POLST form outlines a patient's treatment preferences for serious illnesses.
Who can sign the POLST form?
The POLST form must be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
Why is the POLST form important?
It ensures patients receive care according to their wishes, especially at the end of life.
How can I edit the POLST PDF?
You can edit the PDF using PrintFriendly's straightforward editing tools.
Can I share the POLST form easily?
Yes, PrintFriendly allows for easy sharing via email and other online methods.
How do I access the latest POLST form?
Ensure you download the revised version available through the specified resources.
What to do if I have questions about filling it out?
Consult with healthcare professionals or contact the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California.
Are old POLST versions valid?
Old POLST versions signed before the change in law are no longer valid.
Where can I find training on using POLST?
The Coalition for Compassionate Care of California offers webinars and resources.
Is the POLST form free to use?
Yes, the POLST form can be downloaded and used without charge.
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