POLST Form California
The POLST form deals with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and also levels of intervention desired when a person still has a pulse and/or is breathing, and whether or not a person wants to be fed by artifical means, including feeding tubes. California Probate Code 4780 – 4786.
A POLST form, or Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form, is a medical document that specifies treatments a patient wants during a medical crisis. It’s a portable order that’s valid across all medical facilities.
Purpose of POLST Form California
- Document a Patient’s End-of-Life Medical Wishes – Specifies whether a patient wants CPR, intensive care, or comfort-focused treatments.
- Guide Emergency Medical Personnel (EMS) – Helps first responders know whether to administer life-saving treatments or follow other preferences.
- Reduce Unwanted Medical Interventions – Ensures that patients are not given treatments they do not want.
- Improve Communication Between Patients & Healthcare Providers – Clarifies medical preferences in a legal and actionable manner.
- Support Advance Care Planning – Works alongside an advance directive but is a doctor’s order, making it immediately applicable.