Then known as the National POLST Paradigm Task Force, National POLST first formally convened in 2004 to establish quality standards for POLST Programs and to assist states in developing their programs.
In establishing its criteria for endorsement, the NPPTF used consensus building to describe the POLST process, based on their experiences in implementing POLST Programs.
Periodically, National POLST updates endorsement criteria based on research evidence regarding the POLST process, POLST forms and quality assurance information. Endorsed programs include only those that have proven that their POLST Program and POLST form meet National POLST standards.
Once endorsed, states may work towards further recognition as “mature.” In addition, endorsed programs are reevaluated every 3 years to confirm that they still meet all the requirements for endorsement.
View map of U.S. with state-by-state information about each POLST program.
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Benefits of participating with National POLST
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Active ProgramsWhen state coalitions are exploring the development of a POLST Program they should contact the National POLST Office to see how to begin the process. Programs will be recognized by National POLST as “active,” or participating with National POLST when they have both: (1) submitted the Application for Developing POLST Program Status and (2) presented their state’s POLST form and POLST Program to the National POLST Program Assistance Committee. Active but pre-endorsed POLST Programs may be at various stages of development, ranging from the initial design to active usage of a POLST form and ranging from a small pilot program to a statewide roll out. The expectation is that all active POLST Programs are working towards their goal of implementing the POLST Program statewide in keeping with National POLST standards. In general, programs at this step are starting to contemplate addressing all Seven Core Elements of Sustainability. |
Endorsed ProgramsNational POLST endorses POLST Programs when they have developed and implemented a POLST Program and POLST form meeting National POLST standards. Endorsed programs are POLST Programs that have become standard components of advance care planning in their location and are moving toward statewide implementation (if not already there). These programs have addressed legal and regulatory issues associated with POLST forms and processes, and have developed strategies for ongoing implementation and quality assurance. A program with Active Status seeking to become an Endorsed POLST Program must submit the Application for Endorsed POLST Program Status, have received a recommendation for endorsement by the National Program Standards Committee, and be approved by National POLST . |
Mature RecognitionMature status is the highest level of endorsement by National POLST and is reserved solely for states with POLST Programs that are the standard preferred method of advance care planning for persons with serious illness or frailty throughout the state. Mature POLST Programs are used by 50% or more of hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices in each region (as defined by established criteria such as EMS, Department of Health, or the Dartmouth Atlas) of the state. These programs are actively gathering data for quality assurance programs, have financial stability, and have considered centralized POLST databases. An Endorsed Program seeking to be recognized as a Mature POLST Program must complete the Application for Mature POLST Program Status, have received a recommendation for Mature Status from the National POLST Program Standards Committee, and be approved by National POLST. |