Code status and advance directives must be verified, honored, and communicated. Illinois POLST is voluntary and intended for patients at risk for life-threatening clinical events due to serious life-limiting medical conditions, including advanced frailty. The IDPH POLST form states that with significant change in condition, new orders may need to be written.
The IDPH POLST form includes orders for CPR/DNAR, medical interventions, medically administered nutrition, signatures, and practitioner authorization. It also states that POLST can be changed, reviewed periodically, and that verbal/phone consent and verbal/phone orders may be acceptable with follow-up signature according to policy.
Nurse Responsibilities
- Verify code status on admission, readmission, transfer return, and change in condition.
- Ensure POLST/DNR documents are available and match orders.
- Notify supervisor/provider if documents conflict.
- Communicate code status during SBAR, EMS transfer, and shift report.
- Never assume code status.
- Follow facility emergency response policy.