Last updated on
Jul 20, 2026
Get the free Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Form
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 POLST Care Orders
The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Form is a medical consent document used by patients in Oregon to specify preferences for life-sustaining treatments.
pdfFiller scores top ratings on review platforms
Who needs POLST Care Orders?
Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.
POLST Care Orders is needed by:
-
Patients wishing to communicate their end-of-life treatment preferences
-
Guardians or Health Care Representatives making decisions for patients
-
Physicians and Nurse Practitioners responsible for completing the form
-
Healthcare facilities implementing patient care directives
-
Family members involved in healthcare decision-making
Comprehensive Guide to POLST Care Orders
What is the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Form?
The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is a critical medical consent document utilized in Oregon, designed to articulate a patient's healthcare wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments. This form plays a significant role in ensuring that healthcare providers are informed about a patient's preferences during emergencies or serious health conditions. It is essential for the POLST form to be completed based on the patients' medical indications and preferences.
Furthermore, the POLST process necessitates signatures from both a healthcare professional, such as a physician or nurse practitioner, and the patient or their guardian, ensuring that the document carries the necessary authority. The POLST form is instrumental in integrating patient consent into the healthcare framework, ensuring their preferences are documented and respected throughout their medical care.
Purpose and Benefits of the POLST Form
The POLST form serves multiple purposes, chiefly acting as a tool that safeguards a patient's healthcare wishes. Among its key benefits is the assurance that a patient's preferences regarding medical intervention preferences are accurately documented and honored. This form acts as a catalyst for communication amongst healthcare providers, helping them navigate treatment decisions effectively.
-
Ensures patient's healthcare wishes are respected and clearly articulated.
-
Facilitates a shared understanding among healthcare providers regarding treatment preferences.
-
Aims to prevent unnecessary medical interventions during end-of-life situations.
Key Features of the POLST Form
The POLST form includes several key sections that outline specific patient preferences concerning medical interventions. This includes topics such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), medical interventions, and nutrition preferences. Patients can choose between various options, including comfort measures only and artificially administered nutrition.
Additionally, the form allows for an overview of comfort measures and intervention options that align with a patient’s desires. It is also important to note that the POLST form must be reviewed periodically to reflect any changes in health status or personal preferences.
Who Should Use the POLST Form?
The POLST form is designed primarily for individuals with specific health conditions, including those who are terminally ill or have serious health challenges. This form is particularly beneficial for patients who want to ensure their healthcare preferences are recognized and acted upon.
Healthcare professionals must validate the POLST form, indicating their role in the process. Guidance is also provided for patients, guardians, and healthcare representatives to ensure proper use and understanding of the document.
How to Fill Out the POLST Form Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
Filling out the POLST form is a straightforward process, especially when using platforms like pdfFiller. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist users:
-
Access the POLST form through pdfFiller.
-
Complete the fillable fields, ensuring all mandatory sections are filled out.
-
Check and confirm any optional sections you wish to include.
-
Ensure both the physician and patient signatures are collected.
-
Review the entire form for accuracy before submission.
This guide enhances the accuracy of the document by helping users navigate fillable fields and minimize common errors.
Required Documents and Supporting Materials for the POLST Form
Completing the POLST form may require additional documentation to ensure validity and completeness. Patients may need to gather identification and relevant medical history documents that support their treatment preferences.
-
Identification documents such as a driver's license or state ID.
-
Medical history information for context on treatment preferences.
-
Existing advance directives or healthcare recommendations from previous providers.
Organizing these documents prior to filling out the POLST form helps streamline the process and enhances the overall accuracy of the information provided.
How to Submit the POLST Form
Submitting the completed POLST form can be done through various channels to accommodate patient needs. It is crucial to ensure that the form reaches the relevant healthcare provider or facility in a timely manner.
-
Submit the form online through your healthcare provider's portal if available.
-
Mail the POLST form directly to your healthcare provider.
-
Deliver the form personally to ensure it is received.
Patients should also be aware of any deadlines or special considerations that may apply to their specific situation for timely submission.
Security and Compliance when Handling the POLST Form
When dealing with sensitive documents like the POLST form, security and compliance are paramount. pdfFiller incorporates robust security features, including encryption and adherence to HIPAA and GDPR regulations.
Users can feel confident in the protection of their sensitive health information during the completion and submission process. Ensuring data is secured protects not only the patient but also the healthcare providers involved in the treatment planning.
How pdfFiller Can Simplify Your POLST Form Experience
pdfFiller offers several advantages to individuals completing the POLST form. Its platform enables users to edit, eSign, and securely store their POLST forms efficiently. These features simplify the entire process, ensuring that users can focus on their healthcare preferences without unnecessary distractions.
-
Editing capabilities for tailoring the POLST form to individual needs.
-
Easy eSignature collection to facilitate prompt approvals.
-
Secure storage options to protect personal documents and ensure easy access.
Leveraging these capabilities can significantly enhance user experience when managing their POLST forms.
Ensuring Your POLST Form is Up-to-Date
Regularly reviewing and updating the POLST form is essential to ensure that it accurately reflects a patient’s current health status and treatment preferences. Changes in health circumstances or personal decisions may necessitate amendments to the form.
-
Be vigilant for signs of declining health or changes in treatment needs.
-
Review the POLST form periodically to confirm it aligns with current preferences.
-
Follow the necessary steps through pdfFiller to make updates to the POLST form swiftly.
This commitment to maintaining the POLST form ensures that healthcare decisions continue to be made in accordance with the patient’s latest wishes.
How to fill out the POLST Care Orders
-
1.Access the POLST Form on pdfFiller by searching for 'Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment' in the template library.
-
2.Once open, locate the editable fields clearly marked for patient information, healthcare provider details, and treatment preferences.
-
3.Gather necessary patient information, including medical history and specific treatment wishes, before starting to fill out the form.
-
4.Fill in the patient's name, date of birth, and other personal information in the designated fields, ensuring accuracy.
-
5.Use checkboxes to indicate preferences regarding CPR, medical interventions, and nutrition, choosing options according to the patient's wishes.
-
6.Look for instructions embedded within the form for each section, and complete any additional necessary fields such as signatures.
-
7.After filling out the form, review all entries for completeness and correctness.
-
8.Utilize the 'Preview' feature to see a final version before saving or submitting the form.
-
9.Save your completed form in PDF format on pdfFiller, ensuring it is easily accessible.
-
10.You can also download the form or submit it through email directly from the pdfFiller platform, depending on your needs.
Who is eligible to use the POLST Form?
The POLST Form is designed for adults in Oregon wishing to communicate their life-sustaining treatment preferences, including those with serious health conditions or near end-of-life situations.
What happens if the POLST Form is not completed?
Without a completed POLST Form, healthcare providers might not have specific guidance regarding a patient's treatment preferences, which can lead to unwanted interventions.
Can the POLST Form be changed after it has been signed?
Yes, the POLST Form should be reviewed and can be updated whenever a patient's health status or treatment preferences change to ensure it reflects their current wishes.
What are the signature requirements for the POLST Form?
The POLST Form must be signed by a physician or nurse practitioner. Additionally, the patient or their representative may provide a signature as specified in the form.
How often should the POLST Form be reviewed?
The POLST Form should ideally be reviewed periodically, especially after any changes in health status or treatment preferences, to ensure it remains current.
Is notarization required for the POLST Form?
No, notarization is not required for the POLST Form in Oregon; however, signatures from healthcare professionals are mandatory to validate the document.
What should I do if I lose the POLST Form?
If the POLST Form is lost, a new form should be completed and signed by the relevant parties. It is important to ensure copies are distributed to all stakeholders involved in the patient's care.
Related Catalogs
Get the latest insights from our blog
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.