The Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) form provides the patient’s choices about end-of-life treatment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), transfer to hospital facilities, and other end-of-life issues. The MOST form needs to be completed by both the patient and his/her doctor, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant. The MOST form is a doctor’s order regarding end-of-life care.
This form is intended for chronically or seriously ill patients who will interact with many health care professionals where a standardized form is helpful. The form follows an individual from one health care setting to another, and organizations are assumed to comply with the MOST form unless they specifically inform an individual and offer him/her transfer to a facility that does comply.
In our recent experience, individuals who have a MOST form may result in not receiving treatment, when a Medical POA might authorize treatment. It is important for the MOST form to accurately reflect your preferences.
Information Needed
Before you start completing a MOST, ensure you have the following information available.
Medical Provider Discussion
The form needs to be completed by both the patient and their doctor, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant.
Best Practices
This form is intended for chronically or seriously ill patients who will interact with many health care professionals where a standardized form is helpful.
This form does not assign an agent. Make sure you also complete a MDPOA to assign an agent.
Many individuals also choose to have a signed Living Will in addition to the MOST form. If this is your case, make sure you are consistent in your preferences. If there are any question about your preferences, the MOST form defaults to the Living Will.
Who to Notify
Give Copies of Form to:
Agent
Alternate agents, if any
Doctor
Download a Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment
More Advance Directives
Financial Power of Attorney
Living Will
Representative Payee
Medical Power of Attorney
Behavioral Health Order Form