Important Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and the information in this article is for educational purposes only. Nothing here constitutes legal or medical advice. Always consult a qualified New York healthcare provider, attorney, or elder law specialist before completing or using a MOLST form in New York State. The official source for all forms and requirements is the New York State Department of Health.
As an estate planning and healthcare documentation specialist with over 12 years of experience drafting advance directives for New York residents, I’ve helped hundreds of families complete the NYS MOLST form correctly. The Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) is one of the most powerful and legally binding advance care planning tools available in New York, especially for individuals with serious illness or frailty. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the MOLST form New York requirements in 2025, where to get the official Nys molst form pdf, and how to complete it properly.
The New York MOLST form (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is an 8-page bright pink medical order form that translates a patient’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment into actionable physician (or nurse practitioner/physician assistant) orders. Unlike a standard health care proxy or living will, the MOLST is an actual medical order that EMS personnel, hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies must follow.
According to the New York State Department of Health, the MOLST program is authorized under Public Health Law §2997-d and is valid across all care settings in New York State (source: health.ny.gov MOLST page).
The form is intended for:
| Document | Type | Who Completes | Legal Force | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOLST Form (NYS) | Medical Orders | Physician/NP/PA + Patient or Surrogate | Immediately binding on all providers & EMS | Serious illness or frailty |
| Health Care Proxy | Agent Appointment | Patient only (age 18+) | Only when patient loses capacity | Any situation |
| Living Will | Wishes Statement | Patient only | Not directly binding; guidance only | Terminal condition or persistent vegetative state |
The ONLY version you should ever use is the official form published by the New York State Department of Health. As of November 2025, the current version is dated 06/2024 (still valid in 2025).
Free Official Download Links (NYSDOH):
Many websites offer “free MOLST templates” that are outdated or unofficial – using them can cause the form to be rejected by EMS or hospitals.
In my decade-plus of experience, I’ve seen the majority of MOLST errors come from incomplete Section A or missing signatures. Here’s exactly how to do it right:
New York now offers eMOLST – a free, secure, statewide electronic registry. Benefits include:
Access at: emolstny.org
In my practice, these are the top errors that cause MOLST forms to be ignored:
Is MOLST the same as a DNR?
No. A traditional DNR only covers CPR. MOLST covers CPR, intubation, ICU care, antibiotics, and artificial nutrition.
Does MOLST replace a Health Care Proxy?
No – you should have both. The proxy appoints your agent; MOLST contains the actual medical orders.
Can family override a MOLST?
No. A valid MOLST must be followed even if family objects (unless it was completed improperly).
Is the MOLST form honored outside New York?
Generally no – only about 20 states have reciprocal MOLST/POLST recognition.
Completing a MOLST form in New York is one of the most loving acts you can do for your family. It removes guesswork during the most difficult moments and ensures your wishes – or your loved one’s wishes – are respected.
Download the official NYS MOLST form PDF today from the Department of Health website, have that hard conversation with your doctor, and keep the bright pink form visible on the refrigerator or with your medical records.
Your future self – and your family – will thank you.
Again: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always work directly with a qualified New York healthcare professional when completing the MOLST form.
Sources:
New York State Department of Health – MOLST Program: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/patient_rights/molst/
Official DOH-5003 Form: https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-5003.pdf
NYS Public Health Law Article 29-CCC