MOLST in Massachusetts

The 2010 MOLST demonstration program will generate lessons learned for refining and informing how Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment may be expanded to state-wide use in Massachusetts.

Only the Massachusetts MOLST form may be used to write MOLST instructions in Massachusetts.  Do not confuse MOLST forms from other states with the Massachusetts form (e.g., the New York form is also bright pink).

Commonwealth Acts of 2008
Read how Massachusetts lawmakers made end-of-life care a priority in their state.

MOLST Steering Committee
A broad-based multidisciplinary committee of health professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders, chaired by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, oversees the design and implementation of the MOLST demonstration program.

DPH Letter Adobe PDF
In its February 2010 “Circular Letter: DHCQ 10-02-529” the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boards of Registration in Nursing and Physician Assistants, and Board of Registration in Medicine support the MOLST process and form as a “standard of care for communicating patient preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment options.” This letter encourages health professionals to honor valid MOLST forms as bona fide medical orders.

Worcester Area Demonstration Program
Lessons learned from this 2010 demonstration program will be available in early 2011.