Referrals and Delegations Flashcards
Which of the following statements is true regarding naturopathic doctors (NDs) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) in Ontario?
A) NDs can share a patient’s personal health information without consent in any situation.
B) PHIPA allows NDs to collect, use, and share a patient’s personal health information only with proper consent or as permitted by law.
C) PHIPA requires NDs to get consent every time they share a patient’s personal health information.
D) NDs are not governed by PHIPA when handling personal health information.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because PHIPA requires that personal health information is collected, used, and shared with proper consent or as permitted by law. A, C, and D are incorrect because PHIPA does apply to NDs, and while PHIPA permits the use of PHI under certain conditions, it does not require separate consent every time PHI is shared.
Under what circumstances must NDs refer patients to other healthcare professionals in Ontario?
A) Only in emergency situations.
B) For conditions that are beyond their scope of diagnosis, treatment, or when critical value results are obtained.
C) Only if the patient specifically requests a referral.
D) Whenever the patient’s treatment plan isn’t progressing as expected.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because NDs must refer patients when conditions exceed their scope of practice (diagnosis, treatment, critical lab values). A, C, and D are incorrect since referrals are mandatory not only in emergencies but also in scenarios involving scope limitations or specific lab results.
What should an ND in Ontario do if a patient inquires about medical cannabis for therapeutic use?
A) Advise the patient on a specific strain and dosage for their condition.
B) Inform the patient that cannabis use for medical purposes is outside the ND’s scope and refer them to a Medical Doctor or Nurse Practitioner.
C) Provide a detailed treatment plan involving cannabis for the patient’s health condition.
D) Prescribe medical cannabis if the ND has prescribing rights.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because NDs cannot prescribe cannabis for medical purposes and should refer patients to appropriate healthcare providers. A, C, and D are incorrect because NDs do not have the authority to prescribe cannabis and should avoid giving specific recommendations.
Which of the following situations would require an ND to decline patient interaction outside of a professional setting?
A) A patient insists on bringing food as a gift.
B) A patient invites the ND to a family event.
C) A patient asks for treatment advice on social media.
D) All of the above.
Answer: D
Explanation: D is correct because maintaining therapeutic boundaries is essential to ensure professionalism, and NDs should avoid engaging in non-professional relationships that could interfere with clinical objectivity.
What should an ND in Ontario document when providing general advice on recreational cannabis use?
A) Detailed recommendations on strain, amount, and frequency of use.
B) A summary of risks, benefits, and potential contraindications with other medications or health products.
C) Instructions for using cannabis as a treatment option.
D) Specific guidance on therapeutic use of cannabis.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because while NDs cannot recommend cannabis therapeutically, they may provide neutral information on potential risks and benefits. A, C, and D are incorrect since NDs must not give specific therapeutic advice or detailed recommendations on recreational cannabis.
Why should NDs maintain professional boundaries with patients, such as avoiding personal relationships and gift-giving?
A) To prevent the patient from relying on alternative treatments.
B) To ensure objectivity and uphold the patient’s trust in the ND’s professional judgment.
C) Because the law requires all healthcare practitioners to avoid any personal interaction with patients.
D) To avoid additional paperwork in managing treatment plans.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because maintaining professional boundaries allows NDs to provide objective and unbiased care. A, C, and D are incorrect because boundaries are not about preventing treatment types, avoiding paperwork, or due to legal mandates on personal interaction.
In which situation should an ND refer a patient to emergency services immediately?
A) The patient has elevated cholesterol levels.
B) The patient presents with symptoms of a heart attack.
C) The patient reports chronic back pain.
D) The patient experiences frequent headaches.
Answer: B
Explanation: B is correct because heart attack symptoms require emergency medical attention. A, C, and D do not typically require immediate emergency intervention unless there are other severe symptoms.
What action should an ND take if a patient refuses a recommended referral?
A) Document the refusal and any potential implications for care.
B) Stop providing care to the patient altogether.
C) Insist that the patient complies with the referral.
D) Avoid documenting the refusal to respect patient confidentiality.
Answer: A
Explanation: A is correct because documenting the refusal and any potential risks respects the patient’s decision while fulfilling legal obligations. B, C, and D are incorrect because the ND should continue providing care within the patient’s chosen boundaries and must document the refusal for legal and ethical reasons.
If a patient shares their immigration opinions in a way that causes discomfort among other patients, what should the ND do?
A) Ignore the comments and continue the consultation.
B) Engage in the conversation to build rapport.
C) Address the discomfort by refocusing the consultation on the patient’s health.
D) Share the ND’s own personal views to balance the conversation.
Answer: C
Explanation: C is correct because maintaining a neutral, health-focused approach helps preserve a respectful and inclusive clinical environment. A, B, and D are incorrect as they could further discomfort patients or breach professional boundaries.
