POST Act
Effective May 24, 2019, the Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) Act was enacted by adding Chapter 80 to Title 44 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, to enable certain persons to execute a POST form signed by a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse that sets forth the patient’s wishes as to health care where the patient has been diagnosed with a serious illness or, based upon medical diagnosis, may be expected to lose capacity within twelve months.
The POST Act requires DHEC to oversee the POST form, and carry out other related responsibilities.
POST Form
POST stands for Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment. A POST form is a designated document designed for use as part of advance care planning (ACP) and consists of a set of medical orders signed by a patient’s physician addressing key medical decisions consistent with patient goals of care concerning treatment at the end of life that is portable and valid across health care settings.
A POST form should be completed by a trained facilitator or qualified health care professional in conversation with the patient.
Additional Resources
For more information, contact Mitch Stewart at stewarme@dhec.sc.gov.
DISCLAIMER: Please refer to S.C. Code Sections 44-80-10 et seq. for the statutory provisions concerning the POST form, including but not limited to, execution of the form, compliance with the form, and revocation of the form. This webpage and its contents do not constitute the provision of legal advice.