by Tim Gieseke, MD, CMD

Chair, CALTCM Education Committee

As a post-acute care physician, I have been concerned in the past that the language used in POLST forms I am asked to sign commonly sounds more harsh than what I would actually say when having discussions with patients about the kind of care they would like to receive in future emergencies.  Most of these discrepancies fall under Section B of the POLST, where the form uses words like “comfort” and “limited” in ways that are confusing to nurses and the public.

Good news:  I am happy to report that California’s new version of POLST goes into effect on October 1, 2014, and Section B—the section addressing concerns of the lay public about the focus of the care that they will receive and the reasons for choosing that level of care—is more goal-oriented, and will hopefully make the decision-making process more clear for our patients and their loved ones.

At caPOLST.org/2014polst you can learn more about these changes, and download the new form in 12 translations. Other resources are available, including FAQs, model policies on POLST, and links to educational opportunities.

I highly recommend the POLST educational opportunities coordinated by the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California. 

If your staff has never attended a POLST training, send someone to the two-day Train-the-Trainer course in San Diego, October 7-8. POLST champions who have attended a train-the-trainer in the past are eligible to go to the one-day fresher course in September in Irvine (18th) and Larkspur (25th). For those who just need to know the details about the new form, sign up for one of the free webinars on August 20 or September 10. 

Starting September 1, the 2014 POLST form can be ordered in pads of 100 each from Med-Pass (www.med-pass.com), or by calling (800) 438-8884 (M-F 8am-7pm).  If printing your own, use Mohawk Ultra Pink Brite Hue 65# cardstock.

Previous versions of POLST (2009 and 2011) will still be honored after the 2014 form goes into effect. However, because of the improved clarity and consumer friendliness of the new form, it is recommended that all new POLST forms being completed after October 1 should be the new 2014 version.