Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)

What is a MOLST form?

Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) is a medical order for people with a serious illness or frailty.  Following a discussion with your clinician about your medical condition, your care goals and priorities and recommended treatment options, the patient can choose options on the MOLST form that best communicate their desired treatment choices. The MOLST form is signed by both the clinician and the patient. It is used in an emergency, if you can not speak for yourself, to tell clinicians the kind of care you want and don't want. A clinician and patient can revisit the conversation and revise the MOLST form as a person's care goals and treatment choices change.

How does MOLST work?

• A MOLST form can be completed by a clinician and a seriously ill or frail adult
• You and your clinician discuss your current medical condition and your care goals and priorities
• Your clinician tells you the benefits & risks of possible life-sustaining treatments options
• Your clinician will make a recommendation based on your conversation, and the treatment choices on the MOLST form
• After you confirm, your clinician documents your choices on the MOLST form; you both sign the medical order
• The MOLST form becomes an active medical order and every health care provider involved in your health care follows your choices on the medical order
• The MOLST form is designed to be revisited and revised as your serious illness advances; you can change you mind, update your choices or revoke (cancel) your MOLST form as long as you are competent

How do I complete a MOLST form?

• Schedule an appointment with your clinician.
• Tell your clinician you'd like to know more about your medical condition to make life-sustaining treatment choices in a MOLST form
• Your clinician has access to the MOLST form. You complete the form together.