In a licensed healthcare facility, a signature may be provided by staff indicating that the health care agent agrees with the terms of the MOLST but is unable to sign.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if the patient consents verbally
• D. Only if a physician signs

Answer: (A)

In a licensed healthcare facility, it is permissible for a staff member to sign the MOLST form on behalf of the health care agent when the agent cannot sign, as long as the agent’s authority and consent are documented. This allows the patient’s or surrogate’s wishes to be honored promptly without delaying emergency decisions, while still keeping the MOLST legally binding. The staff member’s signature acts as an attestation that the agent’s agreement has been obtained and that the form reflects the agent’s decisions, with appropriate records showing the agent’s authorization (such as a power of attorney or guardian documentation) and the circumstances that prevented a direct signature. A physician’s signature is not always required in this scenario, and verbal consent alone is not typically sufficient to finalize a MOLST; the key is clear documentation and proper authorization.