Emotional SupportQuestion 156 of 200
A 'living will' (Advance Health Care Directive) differs from a POLST in that the living will:
a.Is a physician order that must be followed immediately
b.Only applies if the resident is conscious
c.Is a legal document in which the resident states future treatment preferences and may name an agent (DPOA-HC); a POLST is a current physician order for present treatment
d.Replaces the need for any medical record
Explanation
Under CA Probate §4670 et seq., an Advance Health Care Directive (often called a living will) lets a competent adult state future care wishes and appoint a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPOA-HC). It applies when the resident loses decisional capacity. A POLST (Probate §4780) is a SIGNED MEDICAL ORDER reflecting current wishes for present care and is immediately actionable by any provider. The CNA must know if a resident has either, where to find them, and to follow them per 42 CFR §483.10(c)(6) (right to formulate advance directives).
Law Reference: CA Probate §4670 et seq.; 42 CFR §483.10(c)Practice all 200 questions free — no signup required.
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