Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment - Patients & Families

MOLST Program

The Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) Program is designed to improve the quality of care people receive at the end of life.  MOLST is New York State's Physicians Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Paradigm Program.  These programs are based on effective communication of patient wishes, documentation of medical orders on a brightly colored form, and a promise by health care professionals to honor these wishes.  See if your state has a POLST Paradigm Program. 

The MOLST Program:

• Assists health care professionals discuss and develop treatment plans that reflect patient wishes.
• Results in the completion of the MOLST form.
• Helps physicians, nurses, health care facilities and emergency personnel honor patient wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments. 

  
   DOH-5003 MOLST form 
         Copies of the MOLST form should be printed on bright pink paper.

MOLST is based on communication between the patient or spokesperson and health care professionals to ensure informed medical decision-making.