What it is, what it does, and why it is important
5/7/2025 3:34:55 PM
This is part of a mini-series dedicated to providing essential information on making healthcare decisions in a format accessible to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals.
If you are DeafBlind or prefer to watch the video in a high contrast format, watch the DeafBlind friendlier ASL version instead. To adjust the video speed, use YouTube's playback speed tool.
Hello, I’m here with you today to discuss a medical order called “Provider Orders for Life-sustaining Treatment”, and shortened to POLST, and how POLST can impact you as well as your family and friends.
First, let’s review. A POLST is a medical order completed between the medical provider (doctor, nurse, physician, etc.) and the patient. It allows patients with chronic illness or age-related health deterioration to list exactly what they want done should they, the patient, may face future medical emergencies. A POLST gives patients who are chronically ill, more control over their care.
Unlike other health directives such as a living will, which is often completed when the patient is healthy, a POLST form can be completed when the patient faces changes in health, such as a diagnosis of a serious health condition; cancer for example. A POLST form is more likely to be recognized by emergency medical responders.
A POLST form tells all health care providers during a medical emergency what the patient wants. Some examples include the following:
POLST is not for everyone. POLST is designed for individuals who are seriously ill, or those who are in very poor health, regardless of their age.
A POLST is more comprehensive than a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order. A DNR is a simple document that tells medical providers, such as doctors and nurses, whether to perform CPR if the patient’s heart stops beating and the patient stops breathing, and is unresponsive. A POLST includes the patient’s specific instructions about whether to perform CPR if they stop breathing. It can also state that the patient doesn’t want to go back to the hospital for medical care, or does not want to be placed on a ventilator as a long-term life sustaining measure. It can also be determined by the patient to state that they wish that medical providers do everything possible to save and/or sustain their life. On the other hand, a DNR is limited to whether or not a patient wants to be saved or left to pass away without life sustaining measures.
In short, a DNR determines if the patient wants to cut off life sustaining actions, while a POLST lists exactly what actions should be taken regarding life-sustaining measures and how those actions should be done.
A POLST is intended for people who have already been diagnosed with a serious illness. A POLST form does not replace your other directives such as a living will. It is an additional directive, and does not replace other directives already in place
This form does not expire, but should be reviewed whenever the patient:
If any of these happens, it is good practice to review the POLST form and make any updates necessary.
If a patient decides on completing a POLST form, the form is copied into their medical file, and copies given to close family members and legal decision-makers appointed by the patient.
For more information, visit the national POLST website (https://polst.org/). The website provides resources about completing the form; state programs for advance care planning; as well as other resources related to POLST and/or health care planning.
The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing thanks
Nic Zapko for ASL talent.
Daisy Jo Shuda for voiceover.
Keystone Interpreting Solutions for film production.
Note: People should actually review their healthcare directive every 3-5 years because they can always revise their directives as their wishes change.
health care
