Using POLST as a Best Practice for Treating Patients Facing Serious, Progressive Illness

The goal of this activity is to grow the use of POLST and education about its benefits in the state of Texas. The online enduring activity will address how to overcome barriers regarding the legal status of orders, practical usage as a best practice, and comfort in using and having conversations about POLST. The activity will provide a safe opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills.

Target Audience

The intended audience is physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and social workers. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, the learner should be able to: 

1. Summarize the origin of the POLST process and its expansion and application throughout the United States.

2. Discuss the importance of quality shared decision-making.

3. Explain the legal status of POLST (portable medical orders).

3. Identify when and with whom to use POLST for those facing serious, progressive illness or advancing frailty due to aging.

4. Describe healthcare team member roles and communication responsibilities to facilitate the process.

5. Demonstrate how to complete a POLST document.

Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AAPA Category 1 CME

    The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.00 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until August 24, 2028. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
  • 1.00 ANCC
  • 1.00 AOA Category 2-B
  • 1.00 ASWB Credit
  • 1.00 HSC Participation
Course opens: 
08/25/2026
Course expires: 
08/24/2028
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
0
Other Contributors(s)

Brenda Wilson, MS, CHCP

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Peer Reviewer(s)

Stephanie Eisenbaum, LCSW

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.

Jeanette May

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Planner(s)

Kim Callanan, Master of Arts in Health Care Administration/University of Iowa

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.

Ellen Martin, RN, CPHQ, CPPS

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.

Jeanette May

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.

Stuart Pickell, MD, MDiv

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Speaker(s)

Stuart Pickell, MD, MDiv

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.

Accreditation Statements

 

Jointly Accredited Provider MarkIn support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth and Texas Talks. The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. 

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria.

American Osteopathic Association
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to award continuing medical education to physicians. 

Designation Statements

Physicians
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth designates this program for a maximum of 1.0 contact hour of AOA Category 2B CME credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity. 

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

AAPA Category 1 CME for PAs

PAs

University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until 08/24/2028. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Nurses
This activity provides up to 1.0 contact hour.

Social Workers
Social Workers completing this course receive 1.0 contact hour of continuing education credits. 

Certificate of Attendance
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth certifies this activity for 1.0 hour of participation.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AAPA Category 1 CME

    The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.00 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until August 24, 2028. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
  • 1.00 ANCC
  • 1.00 AOA Category 2-B
  • 1.00 ASWB Credit
  • 1.00 HSC Participation

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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