Transportable Physician Orders for Patient Preferences

(TPOPP/POLST)

What is TPOPP/POLST

The TPOPP/POLST initiative is designed to improve quality of care for those living with serious illness and/or frailty by translating patient goals and preferences into medical orders. This applies to patients with advanced or serious illness in Kansas regardless of whether the patient is in a hospital setting, skilled nursing facility or living independently in their own community. TPOPP/POLST establishes communication between the patient or recognized decision maker (e.g., the healthcare agent, proxy, or other designated decision-maker) and their healthcare team and translates patient preferences into a medical order.

POLST is a process and a form that has different names in different states.  At the national level, it is simply called POLST: Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. A POLST is a portable medical order, meaning that the order is valid outside the clinic or doctor’s office, similar to a drug prescription.

POLST is many things, including:

• A process; a part of advance care planning, which helps you live the best life possible.
• A conversation with your provider about your medical condition, treatment options, and what you want.
• A medical order form that travels with you (called a POLST form).

National POLST is a non-profit organization that organizes the efforts to standardize the POLST process, POLST form and education throughout the U.S., since POLST varies from state to state. Learn more about the history of POLST and National POLST.

TPOPP/POLST Training, Guidebook & Form

Be advised: by downloading the TPOPP/POLST form, you agree to be in a position to properly implement and execute TPOPP/POLST forms in accordance with the National POLST and state law.  We offer training if you are interested in implementing the TPOPP/POLST program in your healthcare system.  If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Loeffler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

TPOPP for Medical Professionals

To implement the TPOPP form at your organization, please complete the training and slides, then review the guidebook for guidance on filling out the form.

Step One: Training Video & Slides 

^{*This video is for general training purposes. The guidebook and slides may vary slightly, but all materials reflect current, accurate information and may be updated over time.}

Step Two: The Guidebook

Step Three: The Form