When To Use LaPOST

Use of the LaPOST form is most appropriate for seriously ill persons with life-limiting (terminal) illnesses.  To determine whether a LaPOST form should be encouraged, physicians should ask themselves if they would be "surprised if this person died in the next year."  It the answer is "no, you would not be surprised," then a conversation about the type of care a patient would want based on their diagnosis and prognosis should occur and a LaPOST form should be completed. 

 

Remember that the LaPOST form is designed to express the patient's preferences for levels of treatment and can indicate either full treatment including resuscitation attempts or can be used to limit those interventions that are not desired by the individual.  Unless it is the patient's preference, use of the LaPOST form to limit treatment is not appropriate for persons with stable medical or functionally disabling problems who have many years of life expectancy.  In the absence of a LaPOST form or other approved "do-not-resuscitate" orders, patients will receive advanced cardiac life support, including CPR, endotracheal intubation and defibrillation, by emergency medical personnel based on standard protocols.

 

The LaPOST document requires the signature of either the patient or the patient's personal health care representative to make the form valid, as allowed by statute and rules.  The signature of the patient (or the patient's personal health care representative) provides evidence that the patient or his/her representative agrees.