The Provider Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is both a medical order and legal document that translates a conversation between a patient and their provider regarding end-of-life treatment wishes to an actionable medical order, which all healthcare providers are to honor.

What is POLST

Any patient, whose death in the next year would not surprise you, is a candidate for POLST. The very frail elderly, those near the end of a life-limiting illness or those who are candidates for hospice are typical POLST candidates.

Who should have a polst

Integral to the POLST process is a conversation with the patient, or if lacking capacity, their representative or surrogate. It is important to explain what the POLST choices will most likely mean for the patient should they experience a life-threatening crisis. 

starting the Conversation

After identifying the appropriate patient and having "the conversation", it is time to complete the Nevada POLST form.

How to Complete a

POLST form

There are several ways to obtain training on the POLST process. And, CEU credit is available for nursing and social work.

Nevada POLST Training

EMS plays a critical role in the POLST process. It is important to know when and how to use the POLST and what legal the legal implications are.

EMS & POLST

State printed Nevada POLST forms are preferred as they are the approved color and weight. You may order them through Nevada POLST without any additional charge. 

Ordering Forms

A Nevada POLST form not yet completed and given to a patient should be clearly marked "Sample" since it is a Medical Order. 

Printing Forms

Nevada POLST is now available in Spanish to be used for education and translation. 

POLST in Other Languages

When you click the "Patient Handouts" link, scroll to the bottom of the page for printable handouts in layman's term on artificial nutrition and hydration, ventilators and CPR. 

Patient handouts

There is a growing body of research on POLST; see what is working, best practices, challenges. And, help your patients make the right choices for themselves with our many patient resources

POLST Research & Resources

Frailty is one of the criteria for being a POLST patient, but how to assess frailty is the question.

Frailty Assessment

All facilities that treat prospective POLST patients should have policies, procedures and triggers to assure POLST is implemented effectively.

Policy development

Physicians, APRNs and PAs may now bill for Advance Care Planning (ACP) consultations, which include POLST.

Billing for POLST