What is a POLST?

POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a physician order that gives patients more control over their end-of-life care. Produced on a distinctive bright pink form and signed by both the physician and patient, POLST specifies the types of medical treatment that a patient wishes to receive towards the end of life. It encourages communication between providers and patients, enables patients to make more informed decisions, and clearly communicates these decisions to providers. As a result, POLST can prevent unwanted or medically ineffective treatment, reduce patient and family suffering, and help ensure that patients’ wishes are honored.