Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (IPOST)

An Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (IPOST) form communicates and directs your care in a medical crisis. You or your loved one may be transferred between home, a clinic, nursing home, hospital and hospice care. This standardized state form is portable and honored in any treatment setting.

• IPOST enhances advance directive planning. It does not replace it.
• The IPOST form belongs to you. It is not kept as a part of your medical record with your healthcare provider.
• IPOST is a medical order, recognized statewide.
• IPOST can be completed by any individual, regardless of age, who has a chronic or serious medical condition or who is frail and elderly.
• The IPOST can be reviewed, changed or voided at any time.

Who Completes and Signs the IPOST form?

• You and your healthcare provider will talk about choices you have.
• A healthcare provider must sign the form.
• You may discuss your wishes with a social worker, nurse or trained facilitator who will help you complete the form and then have it signed later by your healthcare provider.

Where Should You Keep Your IPOST Form?

• A good spot to keep your IPOST is on the refrigerator. Emergency personnel are trained to look for it there.
• Your IPOST form goes where you go–kept at home, the hospital or long-term care facility.
• During a hospital or stay at a healthcare facility–your IPOST is kept with your medical chart and returned to you upon discharge.