Which statement about revoking a POLST Form is accurate?

Which statement about revoking a POLST Form is accurate?

• A. Only a judge can revoke it.
• B. A patient with decision-making capacity can void or revoke it.
• C. A family member can revoke it on behalf of the patient.
• D. It may be revoked automatically after a hospital admission.

Answer: (B)

A POLST is a set of current medical orders reflecting the patient’s treatment preferences, and it stays in effect until the patient changes it. The ability to revoke or void the POLST hinges on the patient’s decision-making capacity. If the patient understands the situation and can communicate a choice, they may revoke or replace the POLST at any time, and the healthcare team should document the revocation and honor the updated wishes. This isn’t something that requires a judge, and a family member cannot revoke on the patient’s behalf when the patient has capacity. Likewise, hospital admission does not automatically revoke the POLST; a revocation or modification would come from the patient (or an legally authorized surrogate if capacity is lacking) and must be documented.

A POLST is a set of current medical orders reflecting the patient’s treatment preferences, and it stays in effect until the patient changes it. The ability to revoke or void the POLST hinges on the patient’s decision-making capacity. If the patient understands the situation and can communicate a choice, they may revoke or replace the POLST at any time, and the healthcare team should document the revocation and honor the updated wishes. This isn’t something that requires a judge, and a family member cannot revoke on the patient’s behalf when the patient has capacity. Likewise, hospital admission does not automatically revoke the POLST; a revocation or modification would come from the patient (or an legally authorized surrogate if capacity is lacking) and must be documented.