Last updated on Apr 10, 2026
Get the free Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)
We are not affiliated with any brand or entity on this form
Fill out
Complete the form online in a simple drag-and-drop editor.
eSign
Add your legally binding signature or send the form for signing.
Share
Share the form via a link, letting anyone fill it out from any device.
Export
Download, print, email, or move the form to your cloud storage.
Why pdfFiller is the best tool for your documents and forms
End-to-end document management
From editing and signing to collaboration and tracking, pdfFiller has everything you need to get your documents done quickly and efficiently.
Accessible from anywhere
pdfFiller is fully cloud-based. This means you can edit, sign, and share documents from anywhere using your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Secure and compliant
pdfFiller lets you securely manage documents following global laws like ESIGN, CCPA, and GDPR. It's also HIPAA and SOC 2 compliant.
What is physician orders for life-sustaining
The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is a medical document used by patients in Georgia to specify their preferences for life-sustaining treatments.
pdfFiller scores top ratings on review platforms
Who needs physician orders for life-sustaining?
Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.
Physician orders for life-sustaining is needed by:
-
Patients looking to document their medical treatment preferences.
-
Physicians responsible for discussing and completing medical orders.
-
Authorized persons acting on behalf of patients.
-
Hospitals and healthcare facilities requiring clear treatment directives.
-
Legal representatives involved in healthcare decision-making.
Comprehensive Guide to physician orders for life-sustaining
What is the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)?
The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is a vital document in Georgia's healthcare system, aimed at clarifying a patient’s preferences regarding medical treatments. It is especially crucial for those with serious illnesses or advanced frailty. The POLST form is utilized in specific circumstances where patients might face life-threatening medical situations, ensuring their treatment wishes are respected. Moreover, this form has a legal standing in Georgia, providing healthcare providers with the authority to follow the specified medical orders.
Purpose and Benefits of the POLST Form in Georgia
The POLST form serves a significant purpose in aligning medical treatment with the patient's wishes, enhancing communication between patients and healthcare teams. By using this form, patients can express their preferences for life-sustaining treatments, which leads to various advantages:
-
It clarifies treatment preferences, resulting in care that honors patient choices.
-
Families benefit from reduced confusion during critical situations.
-
Healthcare providers receive clear instructions, which improves end-of-life care delivery.
Key Features of the POLST Form
What sets the POLST form apart are its unique sections that guide patients through their treatment preferences. These include considerations such as:
-
Preferences for life-sustaining treatments like CPR and intubation.
-
Signature requirements from the primary physician and a concurring physician.
-
A user-friendly, fillable template facilitating easy completion.
Who Should Use the POLST Form?
The POLST form is beneficial for specific patient groups, particularly those with serious health conditions. It is designed to be completed with the involvement of a healthcare provider or authorized person, ensuring decisions reflect the patient's desires. Collaboration is essential, and family members or caregivers play a crucial role in this process, fostering comprehensive discussions about treatment options.
How to Fill Out the POLST Form Online
Filling out the POLST form online through pdfFiller is straightforward. Follow these steps:
-
Access the POLST form on pdfFiller.
-
Fill in the required fields, such as the patient's name and treatment preferences.
-
Utilize checkboxes for specific medical interventions.
-
Edit information easily as needed before finalizing.
-
eSign the document to ensure its validity.
Submission Methods for the POLST Form
Once the POLST form is completed, it's essential to know the submission methods:
-
Submit to your healthcare provider to ensure they have the patient’s treatment preferences documented.
-
Consider giving copies to emergency services for quick access in critical situations.
-
Keep copies for personal records and track submission dates to ensure compliance.
Security and Compliance When Using the POLST Form
When filling out the POLST form online, security and compliance are paramount. pdfFiller utilizes 256-bit encryption, ensuring that sensitive healthcare documents are protected. The platform adheres to HIPAA and GDPR guidelines, prioritizing user privacy. Patients have the right to access their information, highlighting the importance of safeguarding personal data effectively.
Common Errors to Avoid When Completing the POLST Form
Completing the POLST form correctly is crucial. Users should be aware of common pitfalls:
-
Ensure all required fields are filled out, especially signatures from relevant physicians.
-
Double-check treatment preferences to avoid misinterpretations.
-
Seek assistance if unsure about any section to prevent incomplete submissions.
Why Choose pdfFiller for Your POLST Form Needs
pdfFiller stands out as an efficient tool for managing your POLST form. Its key features include:
-
Fillable templates that streamline the form-filling process.
-
eSigning capabilities for authenticating the document quickly.
-
Accessibility from any device with an internet connection, facilitating easy edits and sharing.
Start Your POLST Form Today
By using pdfFiller, you can begin filling out your POLST form right away. The platform offers user-friendly features designed to assist you at every step. With its capabilities for editing, signing, and sharing, completing the POLST form has never been more efficient.
How to fill out the physician orders for life-sustaining
-
1.Access pdfFiller and search for the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form in their document library.
-
2.Once located, click on the form to open it in the editor interface.
-
3.Before filling, gather pertinent information, including the patient's medical history and preferences for CPR and other interventions.
-
4.Navigate through the form fields using your mouse or tab key to ensure all sections are addressed.
-
5.Begin by entering the patient’s name at the designated blank field.
-
6.Proceed to the CPR and treatment preference section, making selections based on the patient's wishes using checkboxes.
-
7.Consult with the appropriate physician to confirm all entries are correct and include fields for physician signatures.
-
8.It's important to ensure that required sections are filled out completely to avoid processing delays.
-
9.After completing the form, review all entries carefully for accuracy and completeness.
-
10.Once reviewed, save your changes and download the form in your preferred format for physical signing.
-
11.Consider submitting the final form electronically via pdfFiller's submission options or print it for manual distribution.
Who is eligible to complete the POLST form?
The POLST form is primarily for patients in Georgia who wish to outline their preferences for medical treatments. Authorized persons may also complete this on behalf of patients unable to do so.
Are there any deadlines for completing the POLST form?
While there are no specific deadlines for completing the POLST form, it is recommended to fill it out as soon as possible to ensure that healthcare providers are aware of the patient's treatment preferences.
How do I submit the completed POLST form?
You can submit the completed POLST form by providing printed copies to your healthcare providers. Some facilities may also accept electronic submissions via platforms like pdfFiller.
What supporting documents do I need with the POLST form?
Typically, no additional supporting documents are required to accompany the POLST form itself; however, having prior medical records can help inform decisions made during its completion.
What common mistakes should I avoid while completing the POLST form?
Common mistakes include leaving important fields blank, failing to obtain all required signatures, and not reviewing the patient's preferences with a physician. Ensure the form is fully completed for validity.
How long does it take for the POLST form to be processed?
Processing times for the POLST form can vary, but once submitted to healthcare providers, it should be reviewed and integrated into the patient’s records promptly, usually within a few days.
What should I do if I need to update the POLST form?
To update a POLST form, discuss changes in the patient's treatment preferences with their physician, complete a new form, and ensure it is signed correctly to reflect the current wishes.
Related Forms
If you believe that this page should be taken down, please follow our DMCA take down process
here
.
This form may include fields for payment information. Data entered in these fields is not covered by PCI DSS compliance.