This Is How I Wish To Die

Why I Filled Out a "POLST" Form

Dr. Ken Murray’s article about how doctors die generated a lot of comments about the bureaucratic side of end-of-life preparation. Curious to know about a form called the POLST, or Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, we contacted a Californian who’s filled one out to explain what was involved. Her account follows.

About a month ago, the last time I had a visit from my home health care nurse, she suggested I fill out a document called the POLST, or Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. She gave me the papers to take …