Question: I was my Mom’s Health Care Proxy. When it was time to make decisions about her end of life treatment, I had little guidance. We never really spoke about her desires. I struggled to make the choices she would have wanted. Are there other options, beside, just a Health Care Proxy document?
Answer: Your Mother trusted your judgment above everyone else. I am sure you honored her well. Yet, I understand your desire for more specific directions. It is not easy making important end of life treatment decisions, without a script. Fortunately, since 2012, there is an additional form to help fill in the blanks left with a basic Health Care Proxy document.
A MOLST form, instructs health professionals about a patient’s decision to accept or deny certain life sustaining medical treatment. MOLST is an acronym which stands for Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment. Completed together with a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner, the form captures a patient’s desires for or against:
Attorney James Haroutunian practices real-estate law, estate planning and probate at 630 Boston Road, Billerica. He gladly invites questions at james@hlawoffice.com or by phone at 978-671-0711. His website blog is found at www.hlawoffice.com. This column is published for informational purposes only and not to be relied on as legal advice, in any manner.
Answer: Your Mother trusted your judgment above everyone else. I am sure you honored her well. Yet, I understand your desire for more specific directions. It is not easy making important end of life treatment decisions, without a script. Fortunately, since 2012, there is an additional form to help fill in the blanks left with a basic Health Care Proxy document.
A MOLST form, instructs health professionals about a patient’s decision to accept or deny certain life sustaining medical treatment. MOLST is an acronym which stands for Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment. Completed together with a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner, the form captures a patient’s desires for or against:
- CPR Resuscitation;
- Intubation;
- Ventilation;
- Dialyses;
- Hydration;
- Nutrition;
Attorney James Haroutunian practices real-estate law, estate planning and probate at 630 Boston Road, Billerica. He gladly invites questions at james@hlawoffice.com or by phone at 978-671-0711. His website blog is found at www.hlawoffice.com. This column is published for informational purposes only and not to be relied on as legal advice, in any manner.
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