DOH Notifies Providers of Changes to MOLST and Nonhospital DNR Forms
The Department of Health (DOH) has publicized revisions to the Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) and Nonhospital Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) forms (DOH Forms 5003 and 3474) in a memorandum to health care providers. The revisions align the forms with statutory changes that allow nurse practitioners to sign both types of orders. In addition, the Department has revised the MOLST checklists that assist providers in completing the MOLST process in compliance with applicable laws. The Department's memorandum coincides with National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16th.
DOH is urging providers to replace their current supplies of forms and supporting checklists with the most updated versions. The forms and checklists are available on the Department’s website here. Providers are strongly encouraged to use ‘Pulsar Pink’ paper when replacing their current supply of MOLST forms. The Department will be able to accommodate a limited number of requests for MOLST forms. Orders may be placed here. Questions about MOLST and DNR forms may be submitted here.
Please note that for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD), the MOLST and Nonhospital DNR forms must continue to be signed by a physician. Information regarding special procedures that may be needed for those with an I/DD can be found here.
In addition to the revisions to the paper forms, eMOLST (the electronic platform for completing and storing MOLST forms) has been updated to reflect the changes. According to Compassion and Support, a division of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield which developed eMOLST, when eMOLST is queried for the most recent form, all eMOLST forms created after Jan. 1, 2019 will reflect the revised MOLST form.
The revised MOLST form does not include suggested clinical edits recommended by the MOLST Statewide Implementation Team. However, DOH has indicated that it will consider additional changes based on responses to a Request for Information released last year.
National Healthcare Decisions Day was created to "inspire, educate, and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning." It is dedicated to helping people understand that advance care planning includes much more than paperwork; it is a process focused first on conversations about an individual's wishes with his or her loved ones. More information about thoughtful MOLST discussion is available here and here. Information about eMOLST is available here.
Contact: Karen Lipson, klipson@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383 ext. 124