Two different documents for two different situations
By Rozsa Gyene, Estate Planning Attorney | State Bar #208356
An Advance Healthcare Directive (sometimes called a "living will" or "healthcare proxy") is a legal document that does two important things:
POLST stands for "Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment." It's a bright pink medical order form that provides specific instructions to healthcare providers and emergency responders.
POLST is designed for people who are seriously ill, elderly, or have a life expectancy of less than one year. If you're healthy, a POLST is not appropriate for you - and doctors won't sign one. Stick with an Advance Healthcare Directive.
| Feature | Advance Directive | POLST |
|---|---|---|
| Who creates it | You (no doctor needed) | You + your doctor |
| When it takes effect | Future incapacity | Immediately |
| Legal status | Statement of wishes | Medical order |
| Who should have it | Everyone over 18 | Seriously ill/elderly only |
| Names healthcare agent | Yes | No |
| Specific CPR instructions | General guidance | Yes - binding order |
| Recognized by EMTs | Usually no (too long) | Yes (designed for them) |
The California POLST form addresses specific medical interventions:
You need: Advance Healthcare Directive only
POLST is not appropriate for you. Create an Advance Healthcare Directive to name your healthcare agent and express your general wishes. Update it every few years or after major life changes.
You need: Both Advance Healthcare Directive AND POLST
The Advance Directive names your healthcare agent and provides general guidance. The POLST provides specific, actionable medical orders that EMTs and hospitals will follow immediately.
For someone who is seriously ill, both documents play important roles:
The POLST translates your Advance Directive wishes into specific medical orders that healthcare providers can follow immediately.
A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) is one option within the POLST form. The POLST is more comprehensive - it covers CPR, ventilation, antibiotics, feeding tubes, and hospitalization preferences. You can choose full treatment, selective treatment, or comfort-only treatment.
Yes. You can revoke or change your POLST at any time by talking to your doctor. Your wishes may change as your condition changes.
The most recent document typically controls. However, it's best to keep them consistent. Update your Advance Directive if you create a POLST with different preferences.
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An Advance Healthcare Directive is a legal document that lets you specify your medical wishes for future situations when you can't speak for yourself. It also names a healthcare agent to make decisions on your behalf. Every adult over 18 in California should have one.
POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a medical order form signed by your doctor. It provides specific instructions for emergency responders and hospital staff about CPR, ventilators, and other life-sustaining treatments. It's typically for people with serious illness or limited life expectancy.
It depends on your health. Everyone should have an Advance Healthcare Directive. POLST is only appropriate for people who are seriously ill, elderly, or have a life expectancy of less than one year. If you're healthy, you only need the Advance Directive.
A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) is one section of the POLST form. The POLST is more comprehensive - it covers CPR, ventilation, antibiotics, feeding tubes, and hospitalization preferences. The POLST form allows you to choose "Full Treatment," "Selective Treatment," or "Comfort-Focused Treatment."
Yes. Our $400 living trust package includes a California-compliant Advance Healthcare Directive, along with your living trust, pour-over will, and financial power of attorney. It's everything you need for complete estate and healthcare planning.