HARRISBURG – Legislation to formally recognize Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) and establish a clear legal framework for their use across all health care settings was approved today by the Health Committee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), sponsor of Senate Bill 730.

POLST is a medical order, completed after a conversation between a patient and a health care professional, that spells out the specific treatments a seriously ill patient does or does not want in an emergency or at the end of life. Unlike general planning documents, POLST is designed for individuals with serious or advanced illness whose medical decisions may need to be followed immediately by doctors, nurses and emergency personnel.

“The use of a POLST gives patients more control over their care by turning their wishes into clear medical orders that providers can act on right away,” Yaw said. “It helps ensure that patients, their families and their physicians are all on the same page when critical decisions have to be made.”

Under current practices, POLST forms are not consistently recognized or applied across all care settings in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 730 addresses that gap by providing statutory authority so that POLST forms are honored statewide by health care providers and emergency medical services.

Yaw noted POLST is different from an advance directive. Advance directives generally identify a surrogate decision-maker or provide broad guidance about future care preferences, often in situations that are not yet foreseeable. POLST translates a patient’s current medical condition and treatment preferences into a physician -or clinician-signed medical order that must be followed immediately, ensuring care aligns with the patient’s wishes in real time.

“The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) is pleased to support Senate Bill 730, legislation that will establish a standardized and enforceable framework for end-of-life healthcare decisions,” said Arvind Cavale, MD, president of PAMED. “Authorizing POLST forms will help ensure that a patient’s care aligns with their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments in emergencies. These forms will create a standard of care across all care settings and will provide much-needed peace of mind to patients and give healthcare professionals clear guidelines for care. Statutorily authorizing POLST forms will allow patients to make their end-of-life decisions clear to all healthcare professionals. PAMED applauds Sen. Yaw for his leadership on this issue and is happy to support this effort.”

Yaw said the legislation is also supported by the Pennsylvania Homecare Association, Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians, the Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys and others.

The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Weitzel
717-787-3280