Which statement is true regarding MOLST signatures in a licensed facility when the health care agent cannot sign?

Which statement is true regarding MOLST signatures in a licensed facility when the health care agent cannot sign?

• A. Staff may sign to indicate agreement with MOLST terms on behalf of the agent
• B. Only a physician may sign
• C. The MOLST is invalid without agent's signature
• D. The patient must be present to sign

Answer: (A)

MOLST orders are medical orders that must reflect the patient’s wishes and be properly signed to be enforceable. In a licensed facility, the health care agent normally signs to authorize the MOLST. If that agent cannot sign, staff can sign on behalf of the agent to indicate agreement with the MOLST terms. This keeps the order active and faithful to the patient’s preferences without unnecessary delay, and it doesn't mean the staff are making the decisions themselves—the sign indicates the agent’s assent is being represented. The physician still reviews and signs the order, ensuring medical appropriateness. The patient’s presence isn’t required if they lack capacity and the surrogate’s signature isn’t possible, provided the facility follows its policies to document the agent’s unavailability and the staff’s attestation.

MOLST orders are medical orders that must reflect the patient’s wishes and be properly signed to be enforceable. In a licensed facility, the health care agent normally signs to authorize the MOLST. If that agent cannot sign, staff can sign on behalf of the agent to indicate agreement with the MOLST terms. This keeps the order active and faithful to the patient’s preferences without unnecessary delay, and it doesn't mean the staff are making the decisions themselves—the sign indicates the agent’s assent is being represented. The physician still reviews and signs the order, ensuring medical appropriateness. The patient’s presence isn’t required if they lack capacity and the surrogate’s signature isn’t possible, provided the facility follows its policies to document the agent’s unavailability and the staff’s attestation.