Clinical & Regulatory Update

MOLST to POLST Transition Moves Toward 2027 Launch

Massachusetts is continuing its transition to an electronic POLST system, with a statewide registry expected to change how life-sustaining treatment orders are created, stored, and accessed across care settings.

The shift to ePOLST is intended to improve accessibility and coordination of patient care preferences, while requiring providers to prepare for a fully electronic process beginning in 2027.

Massachusetts continues its statewide transition from MOLST to POLST, with the new electronic POLST (ePOLST) Registry scheduled to launch on April 6, 2027.

After this date, paper MOLST forms will no longer be used for new medical orders. All new orders for life-sustaining treatment will be created and stored electronically within the registry.

The ePOLST system is designed to ensure that patient goals of care are accessible across the full continuum—including EMS, hospitals, long-term care, hospice, and home health—supporting more consistent decision-making in real time.

For providers, the transition represents both an operational shift and an opportunity to improve coordination of care preferences, particularly during transitions between settings.

MassPOLST has released early implementation resources, planning tools, and training opportunities to support organizations preparing for the transition.

As the 2027 implementation date approaches, organizations should begin reviewing workflows, documentation practices, and staff training needs to ensure a smooth transition to the electronic system.