National POLST

02/26/2026

⏰ Final Reminder: Proposals Due Tomorrow

This is a final reminder that applications for POLST Points Talks and Poster Presentations for the 2026 National POLST Collaborative Conference are due tomorrow, February 27, 2026.

Presentation options include:
🔹 POLST Points Talks — short, focused 5–10 minute presentations highlighting practical ideas, innovations, or lessons learned
🔹 Poster Presentations — a visual way to showcase programs, data, tools, or initiatives and engage with peers

You may apply to present a POLST Points Talk, a poster presentation, or both.
Please submit one application per talk or poster.

📅 Submit your application by February 27

Please note: Due to limited space and time, submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.

📬 Accepted presenters will be notified by March 13, 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://polst.org/event/2026-national-polst-collaborative-conference/

02/22/2026

Have questions about talking to your doctor or loved ones about POLST?
You’re not alone — and these are some of the most common questions we hear from patients and families:

• Can my surrogate or health care agent create or change a POLST form for me?
• What if my provider doesn’t want to sign a POLST form?
• Will my POLST form be honored in another state?

Our POLST for Patients page includes clear, patient-centered FAQs that help guide these conversations and explain what to expect.

POLST decisions start with understanding — and having the right information can make these conversations feel more manageable.

👉 Explore the FAQs and learn more about talking with your doctor and loved ones about POLST: https://polst.org/for-patients/reflect-on-your-life-goals/

02/20/2026

📣 Call for Proposals: Share Your POLST Work in New Orleans

There’s still time to submit a proposal to present at the 2026 National POLST Collaborative Conference in New Orleans.

We’re currently accepting proposals for:
-POLST Points Talks:short, focused 5–10 minute presentations highlighting practical ideas, innovations, lessons learned, or challenges
- Poster Presentations: a visual showcase of programs, research, data, tools, or initiatives with time for conversation and connection

You may apply to present a POLST Points Talk, a poster presentation — or both.
Proposals are open to NPC members and non-members.

🗓 Applications due: February 27, 2026
📬 Notification of acceptance: March 13, 2026

Space is limited, so submission does not guarantee acceptance.

👉 Learn more and apply: https://polst.org/event/2026-national-polst-collaborative-conference/
Questions? Contact natlpolstcollaborative@gmail.com

02/13/2026

What treatments are listed on a POLST form?
A POLST form is a medical order completed with your healthcare provider. It guides emergency responders and other clinicians if you become unresponsive.

The POLST form focuses on three essential questions:

• CPR: Do you want cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed?
• Level of care: Do you want full/intensive treatment, selective treatment, or comfort-focused care?
• Medically assisted nutrition: What level of nutrition support do you want?

POLST helps ensure that medical care aligns with your wishes — especially during serious illness or advanced frailty.

👉 Learn more about POLST for patients and families: https://polst.org/for-patients/polst-form-decisions/

02/11/2026

This April, the national POLST community comes together to reflect, share, and move the work forward.

Registration is now open for the 2026 National POLST Collaborative Conference: Convening to Improve Serious Illness Care, taking place April 16, 2026, in New Orleans.

Event details:
🗓 April 16, 2026
🕙 10:00 am ET
📍 Hilton New Orleans

Agenda highlights include:
• The State of the National POLST Collaborative
• Review and guidance for the new POLST form
• Portability progress roundtable discussion
• POLST Points Talks and poster presentations
• Networking event (4:00–6:00 pm)

👉 Register now to join the conversation in New Orleans: https://polst.org/event/2026-national-polst-collaborative-conference/

02/05/2026

✨ The new National POLST Collaborative website is live!

Designed with clarity, accessibility, and patient-centered care at its core, the updated site makes it easier than ever for clinicians, POLST programs, policymakers, and partners to find trusted information and resources.

What’s new:
✔️ Easier access to national POLST forms and guidance
✔️ Clear pathways to education, research, and policy updates
✔️ A new member portal with exclusive content for POLST members

Explore the new site and see what’s changed 👉

POLST is a portable medical order that gives seriously ill people control of their health care treatment. Explore tools for patients and professionals.

02/04/2026

📣 Share Your Work at the 2026 National POLST Collaborative Conference

The National POLST Collaborative invites you to share the impactful work your state or organization is doing to advance POLST at the 2026 National POLST Collaborative Conference in New Orleans.

We are now accepting proposals for:
• POLST Points Talks — short, focused 5–10 minute presentations highlighting practical ideas, innovations, lessons learned, or challenges
• Poster Presentations — a visual opportunity to showcase programs, research, data, tools, or initiatives and engage with colleagues from across the country

You may apply for a POLST Points Talk, a poster presentation — or both.
(Open to POLST members and non-members.)

🗓 Key dates:
• Applications due: February 27, 2026
• Acceptance notifications: March 13, 2026

Space is limited, and submission does not guarantee acceptance.

👉 Apply now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelN5XyMeLATEGTpRACxNZRMzEBU9Y2RtYNZfT6BClzGQBveQ/viewform?usp=header

Questions? Contact natlpolstcollaborative@gmail.com

At the National POLST Conference on April 16, 2026 in New Orleans, come share the great work your state is doing for POLST! Send us your proposal to do a 5 - 10 minute POLST Points talk, or create a poster presentation. Or do both! Open to POLST members and non-members. Please complete one applicati...

01/29/2026

Myth: All advance care planning documents serve the same purpose.

Fact: Different documents serve different needs.

Explanation:
POLST applies to current medical decisions for people with serious illness or frailty, while advance directives and living wills typically guide future care.

Clarity helps support care that aligns with a person’s goals.

01/27/2026

Join Us in New Orleans!

2026 National POLST Collaborative Conference: Convening to Improve Serious Illness Care

The National POLST Collaborative invites you to join us in person for a full day of learning, discussion, and connection focused on advancing serious illness care.

📍 Benson Tower | New Orleans, LA
📅 Thursday, April 16, 2026
⏰ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm CDT
🤝 Networking Event: 4:00 – 6:00 pm (location TBD)

Agenda highlights include national updates, guidance on the new POLST form, portability progress, and practical ideas you can use right away.

More information and registration: https://conta.cc/4k6NfBC

We look forward to welcoming you to New Orleans for an engaging and impactful conference.

01/27/2026

Supporting patients starts with clear, accessible information.

The POLST Frequently Asked Questions for Patients page addresses common questions about POLST, helping patients and families better understand when POLST is used and how it fits into serious illness care.

Providers can share this resource to support informed discussions.

Explore the FAQs: https://polst.org/frequently-asked-questions-for-patients/

01/26/2026

📰 January 2026 Quarterly Newsletter is here!

The National POLST Collaborative is off to a strong start in 2026. In our latest newsletter, we share:

- Key milestones from a transformative 2025
- Updates to the National POLST Form and guidance
- Committee progress across education, research, and policy
- Insights from our recent member feedback survey
- A save-the-date for our April 16, 2026 in-person convening in New Orleans

Thank you to our members and partners for your continued collaboration as we advance POLST nationwide.

👉 Read the full newsletter to see what’s ahead: https://conta.cc/45JFbQX

01/20/2026

Healthcare providers play a key role in guiding POLST conversations about the kind of care you want when faced with a serious illness.

Clear, consistent language helps patients and families understand treatment options and align care with their goals.

Our Resources Library offers educational tools, legal guidance, and research to support providers in these conversations.

Explore resources: https://polst.org/resources/