Advance Directives, POLST and Health Care Decisions
Sets out how the Agency gives every patient, at admission and in their primary language, written materials on its advance directive policies and the benefits of advance directives; what goes in the record (a copy of the directive or a signed acknowledgment); how staff recognize and follow advance health care directives, powers of attorney for health care and POLST forms under the California Probate Code; and how changes are recorded.
About this policy
- Policy number
- CA-HSP-PR-03
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- 22 CCR §74860(e)
- Library
- California hospice · 60 policies
- Category
- Client rights
- Sections
- 17
In short
- At admission, give the written advance directive information in the patient's primary language.
- Put a copy of any advance directive or POLST form in the record, or get a signed form saying the patient has none.
- Know where the POLST form is kept in the home and follow it.
- If a patient tells you they changed or cancelled an advance directive or POLST, tell the patient's nurse the same day.
- Do not witness a patient's advance directive or act as their agent.
What's inside
17 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.
- Terms of Reference
- 1. Purpose
- 2. Scope
- 3. Definitions
- 4. Policy Statement (22 CCR §74860(e))
- 5. At Admission
- 6. What Staff Need to Know About California Documents
- 7. Following Advance Directives and POLST Forms
- 8. Changes During Care
- 9. Keeping the Materials Current and Community Education
- 10. Responsibilities
- 11. Records and Compliance Monitoring
- 12. Staff Training
- 13. References
- 14. Related Policies and Forms
- 15. Approval
- 16. Revision History
An inspector may ask
- Show me the written advance directive materials you give at admission. Are they in the patient's primary language?
- Where in this record is the patient's advance directive, or the signed acknowledgment that they have none?
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