When you learn that you have an illness that may shorten your life, you may want to speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner about receiving care that will help you stay comfortable without prolonging your life. You may also talk about whether you want to be revived (resuscitated) when your illness reaches its last stages and your heart and breathing stop.
MOST stands for “Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment”. It is a medical order, completed by your doctor or nurse practitioner, to let your health care team know what level of care you wish to receive. It is a result of conversations between you and your doctor or nurse practitioner, and is based on your personal goals and wishes. In any medically urgent situation, especially when you cannot speak for yourself, it is important that the health care team understands your expressed wishes for treatment and care.
If you have completed an advance directive or an advance care plan they should align with your MOST designation. If you have both an advance directive and a MOST, the health care team, by law, must follow what you have written in your advance directive.
Talking with your doctor or nurse practitioner (MRP – Most Responsible Practitioner) about
care at the end of life will help you to better understand:
- your health condition
- possible treatment choices
- options for care that are best for you
- which MOST designation best reflects your situation
The results of these discussions will be your doctor or nurse practitioner completing the
MOST Form with you.
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