Why is a patient or patient representative signature required?
The patient or patient signature requirement provides evidence of informed consent and enhances the acceptability of the form. Earlier versions of the MOST form did not require a patient or patient representative signature. This changed due to: (1) the national POLST Paradigm Task Force strongly recommended that the patient or patient representative signature be required, (2) the NC pilot programs indicated that obtaining the patient or patient representative signature had not been problematic, and (3) the comprehensive nature of the MOST, its portability, and the sensitivity of the subject matter. Back to top • Are copies of the MOST form acceptable? No. In order for MOST to be followed by emergency medical services and other health care personnel in another setting, the original form is needed. Copies of MOST are appropriate for inclusion in the patient s medical record for documentation purposes only. It is extremely important that the original MOST form accompany the patient as he
