[WSBAPT] POLST Question

Fri Dec 30 09:31:41 PST 2022

Thank you so much to all who have responded about the POLST issue.

After numerous phone calls and lengthy discussions and research, I have found that the typical procedure for in-home Hospice care is to review the POLST document with the client and have them fill it out and make the appropriate decisions on care, then check the appropriate boxes. They then sign the document and the Hospice representative takes it back to their office for a physician to review and sign. Once it is fully executed, the POLST form is returned to the client to be posted on the refrigerator door. Once in a while, there will be an electronic signature by the physician, depending on circumstances, but that is not the norm.

If something different happens during my meeting this afternoon in this process, I will update everyone so that you have as much information as possible in case you run across this situation with your client(s).

In the meantime, again, thank you very much for all the information you have provided. It is much appreciated.

Melody

Melody Claire Tucker
Attorney at Law
WSBA #42096
Melody Tucker Law
P.O. Box 2029
Lynnwood, WA 98036
206-228-4980      Fax: 425-743-5921
website:  MelodyTuckerLaw.com

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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> on behalf of Tom Westbrook <tjw at w3net.net>
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2022 8:52 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] POLST Question

So I know from my own experience that Hospice has a lead doctor associated to the client and they can do online discussions with something like facetime and act at the request of the client or DPOA for health care.

Sincerely,

Tom

Thomas J. Westbrook

Attorney at Law

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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com>> On Behalf Of Shannon Jones
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2022 8:28 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] POLST Question

Here is a useful link to the DOH information on the POLST. The applicable RCWs and WAC provisions are referenced. Per the POLST training form you can access at this page, a physician, ARNP or PA-C qualifies as a “medical provider” for purposes of required signatures:

https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/physician-orders-life-sustaining-treatment-polst<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoh.wa.gov%2Fyou-and-your-family%2Fillness-and-disease-z%2Fphysician-orders-life-sustaining-treatment-polst&data=05%7C01%7C%7C28eb00bc1d334424b51108daea86cc6d%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638080161932657017%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=w0H7hArKYsMbISF8rmTcBBqaYFXOf1e81q1Sj5ZQhdc%3D&reserved=0>

[cid:image003.png at 01D91C2C.17639040]

Shannon R. Jones | Attorney

Campbell Barnett PLLC

Direct:  253.848.3515

Office: 253.848.3513| Fax: 253.845.4941

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Puyallup, WA 98371

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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com>> On Behalf Of Melody Tucker Law
Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2022 8:44 PM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] POLST Question

Will do, Roger.

Melody

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 29, 2022, at 8:09 PM, Roger Hawkes <Roger at law-hawks.com<mailto:Roger at law-hawks.com>> wrote:

Let us know what you learn please.

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com>> On Behalf Of Melody Tucker Law
Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2022 5:31 PM
To: wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] POLST Question

Good evening. I'm looking for some guidance from any of you who can help with my question.

I have a client who has just entered Hospice care. I've been working with her to execute a POLST, but up to now she has not wanted to do so. Tonight her husband called and told me she is ready to execute the document.

Apparently, Hospice workers are coming to their home tomorrow to help set up the necessities for her care. They have told the husband that they can sign the POLST in place of a physician.

It has always been my understanding that a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner could sign along with the patient to make it a valid document.  Do any of you know of an exception to this whereby a Hospice representative who does not fall under those three categories can sign the POLST with the patient so that it is valid?   I want to ensure she has a properly executed document.

I would really appreciate your input. And if there is a statute, could you please direct me to the right place?

Thank you very much.

Melody

Melody Claire Tucker

Attorney at Law
WSBA #42096
Melody Tucker Law
P.O. Box 2029
Lynnwood, WA 98036
206-228-4980      Fax: 425-743-5921
website:  MelodyTuckerLaw.com

CONFIDENTIALITY: The information contained in this transmission may contain privileged and confidential information. It is intended only for the use of the person(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or duplication of this communication, and the information contained in it, is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and immediately destroy all copies of the original message.

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