States Looking Into Developing New End-Of-Life Directives

Recent studies have shown that the use of the POLST form ("Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment") in Oregon has had dramatic results in end-of-life interventions. The POLST form differs from a health care proxy in that it spells out clear medical directions. Fifteen other states use similar types of forms, and other states, including Massachusetts and California, are looking into how to bring these types of forms into their health care systems.