What is a MOLST Form, How Does it Work and Who Does it Benefit
A MOLST form (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a medical order form that translates a patient’s preferences for end-of-life care into actionable instructions for healthcare professionals, often for those with serious health conditions. Unlike an advance directive, which is for the future, a MOLST form is intended for the present and requires a physician or nurse practitioner’s signature to be valid. It addresses treatments like CPR and other life-sustaining treatments and follows the patient across different healthcare settings.
Key Characteristics of a MOLST Form
- Actionable Medical Orders: The form contains specific orders for healthcare providers about various life-sustaining treatments.
- Patient-Specific: It is based on a patient’s preferences and decisions for care, whether they want to receive or avoid certain treatments.
- Valid for the Present: It’s a form for immediate medical decisions, unlike an advance directive which is for future situations.
- Signed by a Provider: To be valid, it must be signed and dated by a licensed healthcare practitioner, such as a physician or nurse practitioner.
- Portable: The MOLST form accompanies the patient to different healthcare facilities, ensuring consistency in their care.
How a MOLST Form Works
Discussion: The patient, or their designated decision-maker, discusses their goals and wishes for care with a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Filling Out the Form: The healthcare provider fills out the form based on this discussion, detailing the patient’s preferences for treatments like CPR and other life-sustaining measures.
Signature: A licensed provider signs and dates the form, transforming the patient’s wishes into medical orders.
Portability: The patient receives a copy of the signed form, which they can give to their family, friends, and other healthcare professionals.
Who is MOLST For
- MOLST forms are generally for patients with serious health conditions, including those with life-limiting illnesses or advanced progressive frailty.
- Anyone who is at the end stage of a life-limiting illness or is in advanced progressive frailty should have the opportunity to discuss and fill out a MOLST form if they wish.
