National Form | Information for Professionals | Patient Guides | Translations | Learn more
The National POLST Form was created because having a single form will make it easier to:
- Honor patient treatment wishes throughout the United States
- Conduct research and quality assurance activities to improve the POLST form
- Educate about POLST so it is properly used everywhere
The National POLST Form, first published August 2019, represents a major step towards national consensus on a POLST form — and many consecutive months of interviews and listening, consensus building, feedback, compromise, and iterative revisions.
Information for Professionals
National POLST Form
Check with your contact about whether this is the form used in your state or DC.
POLST Form Guide for Professionals
National POLST Form Guide for Professionals (PDF, 39 pages)
How to Order the National POLST Form
Visit your program website or reach out to your program contact to order POLST forms. Forms are not available to individuals since they are medical orders that should be completed by providers.
Template for Review Chart
For facilities wishing to create a review document for POLST forms.
Foreign Language Versions
We are planning to offer foreign language translations of the National POLST form. Learn more.
Why have a National Form?
POLST programs have developed separately in each state, resulting in inconsistencies among different state forms. Read more in this article from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)’s Fall 2021 newsletter.
Patient Guide 1
Getting Ready to Talk About POLST.
Patient Guide 2
What Your Completed POLST Form Means
Chart: POLST vs. Advance Directives
Explains how these two advance care planning tools differ.