Terminating a D/P Relationship Flashcards
The US Supreme Court interprets the Constitution as guaranteeing certain rights not expressly mentioned like:
privacy and freedom of choice
What is the consumer bill of rights 1962 (kennedy)?
established product liability and legal rights of consumers
What are rights of consumers?
right to safety, to be informed, to choose, to be heard
What is the patient bill of rights 2001?
passed by the US Senate 59-36 that ultimately failed
What acts support patient rights?
Patient self determination act, health insurance portability and accountability act, patient protection and affordability
T/F SCO has a patient bill of rights and responsibilities?
true
Why expect patient responsibilities?
greater involvement by patients increases likelihood of achieving the best possible outcomes, supports quality assessment and process improvement
Should you inform patients about their responsibilities?
yes
What issues are not completely under the patient’s volitional control?
smoking, illegal substance use, use of Rx CNS meds etc
What factors may influence a patient’s acceptance of medical advice?
culture, psychological makeup, economic status, satisfaction with the provider
What are examples of communication errors?
patient and doctor have a different understanding of what the patient is to do, patient lacks info about disease, pathology, or symptoms, or patient does not understand the purpose of the intervention
T/F both patients and doctors are free to end the relationship at any time
false, patients are free to end the relationship at any time but doctors are not
What is essential on the doctors side for a doctor patient relationship termination?
written documentation
Why can a doctor patient relationship end?
completion of treatment, failure to pay for services or materials, non-compliance, behavior of patient not directly related to care or treatment
What are essential steps of terminating a relationship?
timing, communication and record keeping
What is the timing component of terminating a relationship?
terminated at a normal stopping point in treatment
What is the communication component of terminating a relationship?
communication in writing with documentation of reasons, any need for continued care, and referral options
Where can you find an example template on terminating a relationship?
the AOA ethics forum
What does a termination letter need to contain?
clear statement that it is over, reason, statement of availability for a limited time for record access at no charge, a statement that you are willing to forward copies of records, what is expected regarding outstanding balances, the date and signature of the OPTOMETRIST (no one else)
T/F make sure you get a certified mail receipt
true
What is patient abandonment?
intentional or unintentional, frank withdrawal of care, failure to follow up/continue to treat
What proof does the patient need for abandonment?
show that damage occurred as a result of the delay or withdrawal of care
What are the four elements of abandonment?
care was unreasonably discontinues, doctor failed to arrange for appropriate care, foresight indicated that harm might result with discontinuation, actual harm was suffered by the patient
