Opinion Number

Dear Mr. Perez:

You requested an attorney general's opinion on several questions dealing with the use of a model or form known as the "Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment" (POLST) to be used for end-of-life care in Louisiana. You explain that POLST is a document designed to help health care providers honor the treatment wishes of their patients by transferring the patient's wishes for end-of-life care to a doctor's order. You further explain that a POLST is a voluntary document and is not intended to replace an advance directive but that, nevertheless, it is based on a declaration…