The completed POLST form should be submitted to the patient's healthcare provider and kept in an accessible location. Copies should be provided to the patient's authorized person, family members, and any healthcare facility where the patient is receiving care. Email submissions should be directed to the patient’s primary healthcare provider. Fax submissions can be sent to the healthcare provider's fax number. It is also advisable to keep a copy at home where emergency responders can easily find it.

For 2024 and 2025, the Georgia POLST form remains relevant for patients needing end-of-life care planning throughout these years.

The purpose of the Georgia POLST form is to provide a clear and concise way for patients with serious illnesses to communicate their preferences for life-sustaining treatments. It ensures that healthcare professionals and caregivers understand and respect the patient's wishes, especially in emergencies. The form is legally recognized and provides critical guidance for medical interventions, comfort measures, and other treatment decisions.

• 1. Patient's Name: Full legal name of the patient.
• 2. Date of Birth: Patient’s date of birth.
• 3. Gender: Patient’s gender.
• 4. Code Status: Indicates whether CPR should be attempted or natural death allowed.
• 5. Medical Interventions: Specifies the level of medical intervention desired.
• 6. Antibiotics: Provides choices for antibiotic use.
• 7. Artificially Administered Nutrition/Fluids: Options for artificial nutrition and fluids.
• 8. Signature Section: Includes areas for patient, authorized person, and physician signatures.
• 9. Additional Orders: Any other specific medical orders or preferences.
• 10. Review Section: Dates and details for subsequent reviews of the form.

Failure to submit the Georgia POLST form can result in the patient's treatment preferences not being honored in critical situations. It is important to ensure that the form is completed, signed, and available to healthcare providers.

• Unclear Medical Preferences: Without a submitted POLST form, healthcare providers may not know the patient's wishes, leading to unwanted treatments.
• Legal Issues: Lack of a POLST form can result in legal complications if the patient's treatment preferences are not documented.
• Increased Stress: Patients and families may experience increased stress and confusion during medical emergencies without a POLST form.

• 1. Serious Illness: When the patient has a condition that may result in death within the next year.
• 2. Dementia Diagnosis: For patients diagnosed with dementia or other progressive, degenerative brain conditions.
• 3. Medical Intervention Preferences: To specify desired and undesired medical interventions and treatments.
• 4. End-of-Life Planning: For documenting preferences for end-of-life care and resuscitation.
• 5. Authorized Person Representation: When an authorized person needs to make medical decisions for a patient who cannot do so themselves.