What is MOLST?
Healthcare providers should continue using the MOLST form until further notice.
MOLST is not for everyone. It is intended for people with serious illness to document their treatment choices in the event of a medical emergency. MOLST is voluntary and should be completed by a medical provider after discussion with the patient.
MOLST is a medical order form (similar to a prescription) that relays instructions between health professionals about a patient's care. MOLST is based on an individual's right to accept or refuse medical treatment, including treatments that might extend life.
MOLST is very different from a health care proxy form. All adults aged 18 and older should complete a health care proxy form to name the person who can make medical decisions for them in the event of an unexpected illness or accident. Whenever possible, the Health Care Agent should be included in conversations about MOLST.
Completion of a MOLST requires discussions between the signing clinician (physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant), the patient, and family members/trusted advisors about:
- The patient's current medical condition
- What could happen next
- The patient's values and goals for care and
- Possible risks and benefits of treatments that may be offered
After these discussions, the MOLST form is filled out and signed by the clinician to instruct other health professionals about the use of life-sustaining treatments for the patient, based on the patient's own expressed wishes. The patient signs the MOLST form.
The signed MOLST form stays with the patient and is to be honored by health professionals in any clinical care situation. Learn more about MOLST by clicking on the links below:
For Providers
For Consumers
For questions about MOLST, email: MassachusettsPOLST@mass.gov
For information about Health Care Proxy, go to Quick Start - Honoring Choices Massachusetts
About the MOLST to POLST Transition
Massachusetts is transitioning from the MOLST form to the National POLST model in Spring 2027.
Until the transition in 2027, the MOLST form is still valid and should be used to document patients’ wishes.
If you already have a MOLST, your MOLST is still valid and will be honored even after the transition to POLST.
Previous POLST test sites should continue to use the POLST in paper format, and should be considered valid by EMS and other healthcare professionals.
What is POLST?
For more information about POLST in Massachusetts, visit MassPOLST.
For more information about National POLST Collaborative, visit About - POLST
Why is Massachusetts transitioning from MOLST to POLST?
Under the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE), in partnership with the Department of Public Health and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, MassPOLST is responsible for the state-wide transition to the National POLST paradigm. This includes the design, development, and implementation of an electronic registry (ePOLST Registry), provider training, and consumer education, among other things. See enabling legislation for more detail.