POLST-Should It Replace An Advance Directive

A POLST (Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment) is a detailed description of treatment should certain medical problems arise. The form is filled out with a healthcare professional and is kept in your medical records. With POLST now being widely used in many states, is there still a need for an advance directive? The answer is yes. Although you have made your chioces on paper an advance directive appoints and individual to be the point person when dealing with medical professionals. It is recommended to have a POLST in addition to an advance directive.