Connections 123: What to Know about POLST

The Illinois Uniform Do-Not-Resuscitate form is being changed as a result of legislation requiring it to comply with national Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) guidelines.

Here are a few important points you should know about POLST.

  • Bringing the current Illinois DNR form in to compliance with POLST makes the proposed new form a medical order that can cross traditional boundaries.
  • By law, the new form (which will include a DNR) must be honored by emergency medical services (EMS) and all health care facilities.
  • These forms do not replace a Power of Attorney for Healthcare. The POA-HC is still a very important document to ensure that patient’s values guide treatment decisions as disease processes change.
  • These forms also do not replace the discussion that patients, families, and caregivers need to have regarding their values, preferences, and goals of care.
  • At OSF HealthCare, the role of our OSF Care Decisions facilitators will be critical as this initiative rolls out.

Next week, I will update you on whose signatures are required on the POLST.

Last Updated: November 6, 2018

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About Author: Robert Sawicki, MD

Doctor Robert Sawicki photoDr. Robert Sawicki is the Vice President of Clinical Services for OSF Home Care and Post-Acute Services. He has led efforts to develop and improve care for patients with chronic illnesses and has a special interest in end-of-life care and hospice.

Dr. Sawicki received his medical degree from Rush University in Chicago, Illinois, and completed his residency in family medicine in Rockford. He practiced family medicine in Bloomington, Illinois, for 20 years before moving into leadership roles with OSF Home Care Services.

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Categories: Palliative Care & Hospice