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.   
  Download a printable sample of the MOLST form
• Helps physicians, nurses, health care facilities and emergency personnel honor patient wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments.

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