Page 15 - Advance Directives Proof
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PHYSICIAN ORDERS FOR SCOPE OF TREATMENT
1 What are Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST)?
The Idaho POST offers yet another opportunity for planning for future healthcare.
A POST is usually for patients in the final year of life with advanced illnesses, or an
advanced stage terminal illness from which the patient is not expected to recover.
The POST form replaces Idaho Comfort One and supersedes all other DNR orders.
2 Is the POST document valid for all medical professionals?
Yes. The POST document should be readily available to medical personal, including
EMTs, emergency physicians, and nursing staff.
3 What is the difference between a POST and a Living Will?
A living will is a document that provides specific instructions about your healthcare
decisions and only applies if you become terminally ill or if you are in a persistent
vegetative state. It only tells your doctor what you do not want.
POST documents are a set of medical orders written by the doctor, after consulting
with the patient.
4 Does the POST document have to be signed and witnessed?
Yes. You must sign it, or have someone sign the document in your presence and
at your direction, if you are unable to sign. Also, be sure to date it. Your doctor or
nurse practitioner must sign and date your POST as well.
5 Does the POST document have to be witnessed or notarized?
No. Idaho law does not require the POST to be witnessed or notarized.
6 When does the POST document go into effect?
The POST document goes into effect as soon as you have signed it.
Sources: Some content adapted from: www.ag.idaho.gov and
www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov
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