When may changes be made on scene to a MOLST form?

When may changes be made on scene to a MOLST form?

• A. Never; MOLST cannot be changed on scene
• B. When the patient's health care agent is present with healthcare proxy documentation wishing to change orders
• C. Any time EMS believes it is needed
• D. Only if the MOLST is not yet signed

Answer: (B)

MOLST forms are medical orders that reflect a patient’s wishes for life-sustaining treatment and can be adjusted only when there is a legally authorized decision-maker present who requests the change. If the patient’s health care agent is on scene with valid healthcare proxy documentation and wants to modify the orders, those changes can be made to align with the patient’s current preferences. This ensures the patient’s wishes are honored and the change is legally supported. Changes should not be made just because EMS thinks they’re needed, nor are they restricted to scenarios where the form isn’t signed. If no authorized surrogate with proper documentation is present, EMS should follow the existing orders and obtain direction as appropriate.

MOLST forms are medical orders that reflect a patient’s wishes for life-sustaining treatment and can be adjusted only when there is a legally authorized decision-maker present who requests the change. If the patient’s health care agent is on scene with valid healthcare proxy documentation and wants to modify the orders, those changes can be made to align with the patient’s current preferences. This ensures the patient’s wishes are honored and the change is legally supported.

Changes should not be made just because EMS thinks they’re needed, nor are they restricted to scenarios where the form isn’t signed. If no authorized surrogate with proper documentation is present, EMS should follow the existing orders and obtain direction as appropriate.