A Care Wishes document or a MOST form: which one do you need?
If you are seriously ill or frail, you may need both. One says what matters to you. The other is a medical order that paramedics must follow.
A Care Wishes document
What matters to you, in your own words, for the person who would speak for you.
Anyone can make one, at any age. No clinician signs it. It is not a legal form or a medical order.
A MOST form (Colorado)
Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment. A medical order about CPR and other treatment.
You sign it, and so does your doctor, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant.
Ask your clinician for one.
What the MOST form does, in Colorado law
It records your choices about CPR, and about other care: comfort only, limited treatment, full treatment, or going to a hospital. C.R.S. 15-18.7-103(1)(h)
You sign it, or the person legally allowed to decide for you does. Your physician, advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant signs it too. C.R.S. 15-18.7-103(1)(f), (1)(i); 15-18.7-106
Paramedics, clinicians and health facilities must follow it when they can see it right away. A copy or fax counts the same as the original. C.R.S. 15-18.7-104(1), (5)
Without a MOST form or a CPR directive that says no CPR, the law assumes you want CPR. C.R.S. 15-18.7-104(4)
When you move from a hospital to a care home, or back home, the form or a copy must go with you. C.R.S. 15-18.7-104(7)
You can change your mind at any time, in any way that makes it clear. C.R.S. 15-18.7-107(2)
No hospital or care home can make you have one to get care. An insurer cannot refuse you, or charge you more, only because you have one or do not. C.R.S. 15-18.7-108, 15-18.7-109
Who should ask about one
The law names people who are frail and older, people with a long-term or terminal illness, and people living in a nursing home. C.R.S. 15-18.7-101(1)(d)
What to do
- Make your Care Wishes document with the person who would speak for you. Start the cards.
- If you are seriously ill or frail, bring it to your next visit and ask: “Should I have a MOST form? What would CPR likely do for someone like me?”
- Keep the signed MOST form, or a copy, where paramedics will see it: by the bed or on the fridge. Who to call first if a death happens at home.
- To name the person who would speak for you in a legal form, Colorado uses a medical durable power of attorney. How to choose someone. C.R.S. 15-14-506
Law read 2026-10-27 from the Colorado Revised Statutes 2023 (Title 15, Article 18.7). Not in Colorado? Most states have a similar form, often called a POLST; find your state’s program. This is not legal or medical advice. In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988, any time.