CCCC/CHCF POLST Project

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POLST UPDATE

AB 3000 (Wolk), which would establish POLST in California, has been amended as follows:

• Recognizes that physicians can always do a "real time" assessment and issue a new order;

• Provides an exception from following the form in the case of medically ineffective care or care inconsistent with generally accepted practices;

• Clarifies that California has only one POLST form;

• States that in the case of conflicting expressions of the patient's wishes then the most recent expression governs to the extent of the conflict; and

• Clarifies that POLST is not an advance directive.

AB 3000 was passed by the full Senate on July 10 and was passed by the Assembly on concurrence with a vote of 73-0. It will now go to Governor for his signature.

Click here to read the July 14, 2008 analysis of AB 3000 prepared for the Assembly.

Click here, to read the California Chronicle's April 23, 2008 article on AB 3000.

POLST Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about POLST? Click here for answers to many frequently asked questions about POLST in California. A brochure is also available with basic information regarding the use of the POLST form. Click here for a copy.

California POLST Guide for Health Care Professionals

The POLST Guidance for Health Care Professionals in California is now available to walk you through the process of incorporating the use of the POLST form in your California health care facility. Click here to download the current guide.

California Form is Now Available!

The California POLST form is now available for use throughout the state. Click here for complete information.

Quarterly Webinars Have Been Scheduled

Quarterly POLST Webinars have been scheduled to keep you updated on the latest information regarding POLST in California. Click here for complete information.

CHCF Funds Seven California Communities to Implement POLST

The California HealthCare Foundation has committed $120,000 to promote establishment of the Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) in  local communities around California.

The seven communities selected for the first round of grants are:

• Alameda County Medical Center, Alameda County
• Anderson Valley Health Center, Mendocino County
• Channel Islands POLST Group, Ventura County
• Humboldt Independent Practice Association, Humboldt County
• Inland Empire Palliative Care Coalition, Riverside County
• VMC Foundation & Santa Clara County Medical Center, Santa Clara County
• Woodland Healthcare Foundation, Yolo County

Research about the safety and effectiveness of the POLST program is available online at www.polst.org.

Check back for updates on POLST project activities throughout California.
 

This web page was last updated on 7/14/08.