POLST

Welcome to the POLST Illinois website. POLST is a state approved form that allows people with a serious illness to receive the medical treatments they want and avoid the ones they don’t want in a medical emergency. POLST Illinois is a committee of diverse health professionals that educates Illinoisans and healthcare providers about the POLST process and supports patient-centered decisions about care.

EDUCATION ABOUT CHANGES TO THE POLST PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE!

You may be aware that legislation impacting the POLST form and guidance for using POLST in our state went into effect on January 1, 2022. Public Act 102-0140 contains several changes that you will want to know about.

Please note that POLST IL is awaiting an updated POLST form from IDPH. Until a new form is available, please continue to use the current version.

We encourage you to take the time to look through the documents below for detailed information on the changes.

Educational Documents for Healthcare Providers

Quick Facts Document : This document can be used a short guide for all healthcare providers. We encourage you to use this information for in-service trainings, staff meetings, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions for Healthcare Providers: The FAQ document can be used as a reference when healthcare providers have specific questions regarding the changes to the POLST program. 

PowerPoint Presentation: This PowerPoint can be used to give a detailed explanation of the POLST program changes for all healthcare providers. We encourage you to use this information as a compliment to the Quick Facts document for in-service trainings, staff meetings, etc.

Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment ( POLST )

Ensuring that seriously ill people receive the treatments they want and avoid the treatments they do not want near the end of life.
The POLST decision-making process and resulting medical orders are intended for people of any age who are at risk for a life-threatening clinical event because they have a serious life-limiting medical condition, which may include advanced frailty.

POLST IL COMMITTEE

Supporting the professionals and organizations that provide high quality healthcare to people facing serious illness

POLST MODEL

Assuring that every patient’s treatment wishes are honored in all healthcare settings

RESOURCES FOR PROVIDERS

Helping healthcare professionals honor their patients end-of-life wishes with educational materials for ACP & POLST

INFO FOR INDIVIDUALS & CAREGIVERS

Educating Illinois citizens about the POLST Model and how it benefits people approaching the end of life

Latest News

In December 2020, members of the POLST Illinois Committee served on a multi-stakeholder advisory panel helping the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop a report on the feasibility of a statewide POLST registry.

POLST Illinois & numerous healthcare provider groups are supporting new legislation sponsored by Senator Sara Feigenholtz of Chicago to improve the POLST program for the citizens in our state.

Memorial Health System in Springfield launches a comprehensive POLST Train the Trainer Program for nursing homes in their service area, providing continuing education credit and growing POLST knowledge with their LTC partners.

Download the POLST Form

The POLST form is available in English and Spanish. To ensure emergency personnel can understand and follow the orders, it is recommended that the POLST form be documented in English. The Spanish version of the form is helpful for educational purposes.

Have Questions? We are here for you!

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