New Jersey Trusts and Estates Attorneys
What is P.O.L.S.T.?
On December 21, 2011, Governor Christie signed into law the Practitioner Order for Life Sustaining Treatment. The P.O.L.S.T. form is intended to complement an advanced directive (living will) that the patient may also have in place. The form must be signed by the patient, the patient’s guardian/health care proxy, and the attending physician or advanced practice nurse. It provides instructions that health care professionals must follow regarding life-prolonging interventions.
This form is meant to deter the administration of treatment you may not want in the event that your health care proxy is not available to make decisions for you. The form contains a “Do Not Resuscitate Order” as well as a “Do Not Hospitalize” order. It also allows the patient to determine intubation and artificial administration of fluids and nutrition.
P.O.L.S.T. forms may be obtained in the hospital or at your doctor’s office. If you have any questions pertaining to the P.O.L.S.T. law, an experienced attorney can provide you with more information. Contact the attorneys at Hunziker, Champion, Romer & Miller by calling (973) 256-0456 or fill out our contact form for a consultation.
