A MOLST form (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a medical order document that translates a patient’s preferences for life-sustaining treatment into actionable medical instructions. It is designed for individuals with serious health conditions and provides clear directives for healthcare professionals regarding the patient’s wishes for end-of-life care. The MOLST form is often a bright pink document signed by a physician, ensuring that the patient’s treatment preferences are communicated effectively. The MOLST is one of those documents that is best to discuss and complete before you have a health crisis.
Maryland MOLST is a portable and enduring form for orders about cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-sustaining treatments
This order form makes your treatment wishes known to health care professionals. It includes many sections, but the only sections that are completed are the ones that identify the decisions you’ve made regarding your treatment preferences.
Every time a physician or nurse practitioner completes a MOLST order form, you will receive a copy for your records.
If you do not have a “Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order” on your MOLST form, medics in Maryland must attempt resuscitation.
This form does not expire, and it goes where you go, to the hospital, rehab, assisted living, and back home. You should update your MOLST periodically as your health status changes. Be sure to discuss your MOLST decisions with your family so they are aware of your preferences.