What is the difference between a Health Care Proxy or a Living Will and the MOLST?
The foremost difference is that it is a medical order. A Health Care Proxy and a Living Will are documents created by patients to cover a gamut of possible medical treatments. Their effectiveness in non-medical settings is extremely limited. Emergency medical services were allowed only to follow a DNR which was limited to situations involving cardiac or respiratory arrest. The MOLST form is also completed by a patient but it is reviewed by and with the patient’s physician. The objective is to express the patient’s treatment goals as medical orders that can be acted on without doubt or confusion. It is based on the patient’s right to informed consent and to withhold consent. The order is signed by the physician and reviewed periodically. The bright pink MOLST form is sent with the patient upon transfer or discharge. The MOLST is recommended for people with serious or advancing chronic illness and those who want to further define their care wishes by limiting medical interventions or cla
