What is a POLST?
A Physician’s Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (“POLST”) is a medical order that tells emergency health care professionals what to do in case of a medical crisis when you cannot speak for yourself. No agent (or surrogate) is named. The document is prepared by a medical professional and communicates orders for any person who is seriously ill or frail and near the end of life. It gives specific orders for specific circumstances and is designed for use by emergency personnel.