Did you know that all residents in a Colorado assisted living community must have a MOST form signed within the last year by their primary care physician (PCP) on file?
Let’s take a closer look at the MOST form and its importance.
The Legislative Background
In Colorado, the MOST form was established by legislation (C.R.S. 18.7) in 2010. It was inspired by the Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) model. The POLST program originated in Oregon in the late 1990s.
Since then, many states have developed similar initiatives to improve end-of-life care and ensure that patient’s wishes are honored across different healthcare settings.
What Is the MOST Form?
The MOST form is a medical document that communicates a patient’s wishes about specific medical treatments. It covers preferences regarding critical interventions, such as:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Whether or not to attempt resuscitation if the patient’s heart stops.
- Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: Decisions on receiving nutrients and fluids through medical means if the patient is unable to eat or drink.
- Other Life-Sustaining Treatments: These treatments include the use of ventilators, dialysis, and antibiotics.
Does a MOST Form Replace or Revoke Advance Directives?
The MOST form does not replace or revoke advance directives. Instead, it complements them by providing a way to implement the medical decisions outlined in advanced directives in a more immediate and specific manner.
In certain situations, the form may take precedence because it is a medical order that directly guides the actions of healthcare providers. That’s why it must be consistent with the advance directives to avoid conflicts.
The Importance of the MOST Form
For patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses, the MOST form matters due to the following reasons:
- Clarity and Specificity: It provides clear instructions to healthcare providers, reducing the ambiguity and stress associated with making urgent medical decisions.
- Consistency Across Settings: The form ensures patients’ treatment preferences are consistently followed whether they are at home, in a hospital, or an assisted living facility such as The Oberon House.
- Peace of Mind: By documenting their wishes, patients can feel empowered, knowing that their healthcare preferences will be respected.
How to Complete a MOST Form
Filling the form is a collaborative process that involves discussions between the patient, their loved ones, and their healthcare provider. Here are the typical steps:
- Discussion: The patient discusses their values, goals, and treatment preferences with their healthcare provider. This conversation may also include family members or other loved ones.
- Documentation: The healthcare provider fills out the form based on the patient’s expressed wishes. For the form to be valid, both the patient (or their legal representative) and the healthcare provider must sign it.
- Review and Update: The MOST form should be reviewed periodically and updated as needed, particularly if the patient’s health status or treatment preferences change.