How does the order for Physician Scope of Treatment (POST) form ensure that the wishes of those terminally ill and incapacitated are followed?
The purpose of the Universal Do Not Resuscitate (UDNR) form (POST) is to ensure that the wishes of a terminally ill individual are followed even if they are incapacitated. If the Advance Care Plan form (also known as Living Will) is not prepared while an individual has capacity, a physician must declare that he no longer has capacity and note it on his chart. If an agent or surrogate has not been appointed when an individual is determined to be incapacitated, a surrogate may be identified by his supervising health care provider to make decisions for him. Care must be taken to insure that the person appointed as surrogate is chosen from those who have exhibited care and concern for the patient, is familiar with his values, is willing to serve and is reasonably available. A person cannot be appointed as surrogate if he is subject to a protective order that does not allow contact.
