Emergency MOLST and L&D Destination Update for COVID-19
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) continues to work with state, federal and local partners on the outbreak of novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, and we continue to appreciate the essential role you have in responding to this evolving situation.
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, OEMS is releasing the attached documents:
An emergency protocol change to the MOLST procedure, allowing for witnessed and documented verbal consent to take the place of an actual signature on a patent’s MOLST form.
An emergency waiver to allow ambulances to bring impending childbirth parents and patients with pregnancy complications directly to the labor and delivery unit, or other appropriate department or site on the hospital grounds, instead of to the emergency department.
For the emergency protocol change, ambulance services need to begin working through implementation issues and training needs before putting these changes in place. Please work with your affiliate hospital medical director and ensure all your EMS personnel are appropriately trained on the use of this Protocol, prior to implementing.
This emergency protocol applies to all patients. This protocol, like the related emergency waiver of the EMS System regulation, will only be in effect through the Governor’s declared State of Emergency.
The DPH COVID-19 website, which is updated on a daily basis, can be accessed at www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.