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title: Notes on POLST April 2026
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Read about the latest from National POLST, recent publications, and updates from MA and OR 

| View in browser April 2026 National POLST Collaborative Annual Meeting Highlights Progress and Opportunities On April 16, the National POLST Collaborative (NPC) brought together in-person and virtual participants from member states for its annual conference. Some key highlights from the day include the following: NPC shared about progress made over the past year, including release of the new model form and website, as well as the forthcoming updated POLST guidance. Nine states are now using the model form, and nine others have adapted it for use in their states. Adoption of the national form facilitates cross-border acceptance of POLST forms, simplifies clinician education, and promotes unified advocacy efforts. In our region, West Virginia uses a slightly modified version of the National POLST form, and Virginia is using the model form. Ariadne Labs and the Massachusetts Office of Aging and Independence have developed a POLST digital training program and are seeking clinicians from across the country to review and provide feedback on the trainings. Learn more at National POLST Training Program Review. Washington POLST shared a clinician tool, The POLST Conversation in Five Steps, which outlines an easy-to-follow process to ensure proper completion of POLST forms. PA POLST is exploring options for adapting it as a resource. POLST In the Literature POLST Program Maturity Linked to Increased Likelihood of Dying in Place A recent JAMDA study examines how the maturity of state POLST programs influences end-of-life outcomes. Using national data, researchers found that as POLST programs progress from early development to full endorsement, patients are increasingly likely to die in their preferred setting—such as nursing homes or hospice—rather than hospitals. The probability of dying in place rose modestly in the first year after program development and grew substantially over time, suggesting that more mature POLST infrastructures may better support goal-concordant care. These findings reinforce the importance of statewide implementation quality and standardization in achieving patient-centered end-of-life outcomes. Read the article   Trends in POLST Use Show Growth—and Shifts Toward More Intensive Treatment Orders A study in the Journal of Palliative Medicine analyzes changes in Oregon’s POLST Registry between two cohorts (2010–2011 vs. 2015–2016). The proportion of decedents with a POLST form increased by nearly 47%, with especially large gains among the oldest adults and those with dementia. While orders limiting treatment (e.g., DNR) remained common, the study also identified a notable rise in orders for more aggressive interventions, including CPR and full treatment. Additionally, the time between POLST completion and death lengthened, raising questions about optimal timing for POLST discussions and completion. The authors suggest refining criteria for POLST use to better align with patient prognosis and care goals. Read the article   NPC President Shares Tips to Promote End-of-Life Care Planning In a recent installment of the American Medical Association's What Doctors Wish Patients Knew™ series, National POLST Collaborative Board President Susan E. Nelson, MD, offers valuable insights into advance care planning and why it matters for every adult. In her article, Dr. Nelson emphasizes that many people delay or avoid documenting their health care wishes and explains how tools like health care powers of attorney, living will, and POLST forms help to ensure that patients’ values and preferences guide care when they can’t speak for themselves. The article can be a helpful resource to use when discussing advance care planning with patients. Read the article. POLST Updates from Coast to Coast MOLST to POLST Stakeholder Session Recording Available: MassPOLST held a Stakeholder Session on March 25 to discuss the transition from MOLST to a POLST electronic form and statewide electronic registry. The meeting slides are available online. Oregon POLST Curates Resources for Nursing Facilities on Dedicated Webpage: Oregon POLST's new webpage for nursing facilities includes resources to facilitate POLST use in nursing facilities, including a new informational card developed for use by surveyors. Thank you for your continuing support of POLST. Judith Black, MD, MHA Pennsylvania Representative, National POLST Collaborative  Medical Advisor, Jewish Healthcare Foundation blackjs352@gmail.com Lisa George, MPH, CHES PA POLST Coordinator info@papolst.org Administered by CQEL: Advocating for Care for Persons with Serious Illness Jewish Healthcare Foundation, 625 Liberty Ave, Ste. 2500, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States, 412-594-2553 Unsubscribe Manage preferences |
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