POLST and clipboardNew Law Allows NPs & PAs to Sign POLST forms

California’s POLST program will undergo a change on Jan. 1, 2016, when Assembly Bill 637 goes into effect, allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants – under the supervision of a physician and within their scope of practice – to sign POLST forms and make them actionable medical orders.

Changes Coming Jan. 1, 2016

  • Assembly Bill 637 authorizes nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) – under the supervision of a physician and within their scope of practice – to sign POLST forms and make them actionable medical orders.
  • The new law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2016. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants cannot sign POLST forms until that date.
  • POLST signing authority is not expanded to include any other professional classifications.
  • The revised POLST form, which includes a signature line for “Physician /Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant” on the front and instructions on the back, is available for download as a PDF and available for bulk purchase through Med-Pass.com.
  • The revised POLST form will be marked with an effective date of 1/1/2016.
  • Translations of the revised POLST form will also be available in late-December.
  • NPs and PAs who sign POLST forms after Jan. 1, 2016, are strongly encouraged to use only the revised form with 1/1/2016 effective date.
  • The revised POLST form will include a new space on the back where NPs and PAs should write the name of their supervising physician. The signature of the supervising physician is not required.
  • POLST forms completed prior to 1/1/2016 and signed by the patient/decisionmaker and a physician will remain valid.

TOOLS & RESOURCES

EDUCATION

Webinars & Workshops: Click here to find out about upcoming webinars and workshops related to AB 637 and POLST.

Local Coalitions: Many local POLST coalitions will be providing AB 637 outreach and education within their community. Contact a coalition in your region for details or to schedule a presentation.

WEBINAR about changes to POLST in 2016

RELATED LINKS