If there is doubt about the validity of a POLST Form, what should EMS personnel do?

• A. Treat the patient and contact medical control while documenting the situation.
• B. Ignore the doubt and proceed with standard EMS protocol.
• C. Remove the form from the patient chart unless verified.
• D. Contact a medical records supervisor to verify.

Answer: (A)

When there’s doubt about a POLST form’s validity, the priority is to provide care based on the patient’s current condition while obtaining authoritative guidance and documenting everything. Treat the patient and contact medical control to get direction, and record the doubt, the patient’s presentation, and the orders you observed. Medical control can verify whether the POLST is current, properly completed, and applicable in the jurisdiction, and advise whether to honor or modify the orders. This approach protects patient autonomy, guides appropriate care in the moment, and provides clear documentation for accountability. Do not ignore the doubt or try to remove or verify the form on your own in the field; rely on medical control for clinical guidance.