Ask the Expert: What’s the difference between a POLST form and an advance directive?

(Via Seniors Matter) An advance directive is not a replacement for a POLST form, nor are POLST forms an alternative to an advance directive. However, when appropriately used, advance directives and POLST forms are helpful as advance care planning tools for expressing patient preferences.

An advance directive specifies who will make medical choices on the patient’s behalf if and when they become incapable of doing so. This document is also called “health care power of attorney.” It also offers direction or instructions for choosing medical care, usually in cases involving end-of-life care, and is also referred to as a “living will.” An advance directive is not a medical order but a directive or an authoritative instruction from the patient.  Continue on…