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POLST Medical Abbreviation: Meaning and Purpose
Updated on: Nov 17, 2025 | 1 min read
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Medical forms can be confusing. One of the most important ones is POLST. You may see it in hospital records, hospice care, or long-term care plans. Understanding it matters because POLST guides major treatment decisions.
What Does POLST Mean?
POLST stands for Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment.
Some states use versions like Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment or Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST).
A POLST form tells healthcare teams what treatments a patient wants or does not want during a medical emergency. It is a medical order, not just a preference.
What Does a POLST Form Include?
A POLST usually covers decisions such as:
- CPR or no CPR
- Breathing support, such as a ventilator
- Feeding tubes
- Antibiotic use
- Hospital transfers versus staying in place
- Comfort-focused care versus full treatment
The goal is to make sure a patient receives only the care they want.
Who Uses a POLST?
Doctors use POLST for patients with:
- Serious illness
- Advanced age
- Limited life expectancy
- Chronic conditions that affect survival
POLST makes treatment wishes clear when seconds matter.
Why POLST Matters
A POLST helps avoid confusion during emergencies.
It tells EMTs, nurses, and doctors what actions to take right away.
It protects a patient’s right to choose the level of care they want.
Families also feel supported because they don’t have to make rushed decisions during a crisis. The POLST guides the care plan.
A study found that POLST forms directly influence hospital treatment decisions by guiding what interventions patients receive during emergencies.
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