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Old 05-12-2010, 11:25 AM   #25
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Join Date: Dec 2002
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NYRN View Post
I always make sure that my documentation reflects the MD's so that I am protecting us both in case this goes to court. Make sure your nurses are doing that with you because if the chart is reviewed, they will compare the nurses note with the MD's note and if they are different, they will assume one of us is trying to hide something.
I think this is very important, both in the context of AMA and in general. Communicate with the rest of the staff and make sure you're all on the same page.

Quote:
Originally Posted by southerndoc View Post
It's amazing the number of people who will change their minds when I very bluntly say "I think you're making a stupid decision, but I can't hold you against your will. I need you to sign here so that when you go home and die, your family can't sue me."

When you put it bluntly like that, more than half will change their mind and stay. Yes, it may generate a few complaints, but it won't generate lawsuits.
I do something similar. In addition, My mentor types out in large font "I understand that by refusing [xyz] I could die." That gets printed and the patient is asked to sign, then it ends up on the chart. I have no idea if this does anything legally, but I've seen it change a few minds.

Of course the whole thing gets much more complicated in kids.
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