Who can sign the POST? Will a verbal order be acceptable?
The POST is designed to encourage physician/patient discussion about end-of-life care when an individual has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. However, sections A-E of the form may be completed by a nurse or social worker after a verbal physician order. The nurse or social worker can obtain the physician’s signature later. Should the individual’s condition suddenly worsen before the physician’s signature is obtained, a physician could issue a verbal order based on the patient’s wishes expressed on the front of the POST.
