Future Hospitalization/Transfer

Patients appropriate for MOLST may wish to be hospitalized or not based on their health status, prognosis and goals for care.

MOLST

The 2018 DOH MOLST Form provides for two patient preferences:

• Do not send to the hospital unless pain or severe symptoms cannot be otherwise controlled.
• Send to the hospital, if necessary, based on MOLST orders.

If a patient does not wish to be transferred to the hospital, a care plan must be developed that supports the medical orders and the patient’s medical condition, health status, prognosis and goals for care.

If the patient wishes to be sent to the hospital, all other medical orders on the MOLST must be followed.

Review and Renew

Patients appropriate for MOLST may wish to change their preferences for hospitalization and transfer based on their goals for care.

Preferences may change as the patient’s health status and prognosis worsen over time.

The same may be true during the COVID-19 crisis.  It is important to make time to review and renew MOLST now. The discussion must be patient-centered, honest and compassionate, considering the patient’s medical condition, health status, prognosis and goals for care.

Effective communication skills are essential. Read more about how to have this crucial conversation.