A document that states a person’s end-of-life wishes.
It is much more than an advance care directive, which generally contains information about a person’s desire to be mechanically ventilated or artificially fed, and their desire for comfort care. POLST may include a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order, instructions about artificial nutrition, antibiotics, and other medical interventions.

While an advance care directive is usually meant for a hospital, POLST is designed to instruct emergency personnel on what actions to take while the patient is still at home.

Oregon Health and Science University. POLST. Internet. Accessed August 2, 2011.