This policy is to clarify that patients may refuse recommended care for treatment and that the implications of this refusal are made clear to the patient and/or guardian and documented by the provider.
Reason For This Policy
To ensure that when a patient refuses a recommendation for treatment, care, or referral, the implications of such a decision are clear to the patient and/or the guardian.
Entities Affected By This Policy
Clients and Patients of Campus Health, Nursing staff and Providers
Who Should Know This Policy
Clients and Patients of Campus Health, Nursing staff and Providers
Definitions
None
Policy
Campus Health Services is not obligated to provide service to a patient if a patient or a person acting on behalf of a patient refuses to consent to the examination and/or treatment.
Responsibilities
As above
Procedures
Campus Health Services staff are obligated to inform/educate the patient or person acting on the patient's behalf of the benefits and risks of treatment, the risks of refusal of treatment and the appropriate alternatives to the recommended treatment or referral.
Campus Health Services staff shall take all responsible steps to have the patient complete the “Refusal of Medical Care Release.”
When a patient who chooses to refuse treatment, care, or referral for services or transportation also refuses to complete the “Refusal of Medical Care Release,” the refusal and reasons must be documented on the patient’s medical record, including instructions given before and after the patient/legal guardian interaction with the clinician (see form attached).
Patients who lack capacity to understand the consequences of their actions due to their clinical condition as determined by the clinician may not sign the Refusal of Medical Care Release form and appropriate other actions must be taken to safeguard the health of the patient.
Provider will scan a copy of the “Refusal of Medical Care Release” in the patient chart.
The Refusal of Medical Care Release should be signed by the clinician and at least one other witness not involved directly in the care of the patient.
The Campus Health Services provider will reiterate that the patient can come back to the Campus Health Services at any time for reevaluation of their condition.
Related Information
Forms or Tools
[Insert hyperlinks to any forms or tools associated with the policy. If there are no forms or tools insert the statement, “There are no forms or tools associated with this policy.”]
Cross-References
There are no cross-references associated with this policy.
Sources
There are no external sources associated with this policy.