Advanced Directives and Healthcare Decision Policy for Gastroenterology Practice

Purpose

To establish guidelines for the documentation, maintenance, and implementation of advance directives in accordance with state laws and medical best practices for gastroenterology patients.

Policy Statement

This practice recognizes and respects patients' rights to make informed decisions about their medical care, including the right to accept or refuse treatment and to formulate advance directives.

Procedures

1. Documentation Requirements

• Verify existence of advance directives during initial patient registration
• Maintain copies of advance directives in prominent location within EMR
• Update documentation annually or as patient circumstances change

2. Staff Responsibilities

Front Office Staff

• Request advance directive documentation during registration
• Scan and upload documents to EMR
• Flag patient charts with advance directive status

Clinical Staff

• Review advance directives before procedures
• Document discussions about advance directives
• Ensure compliance with stated wishes during care delivery

3. Specific Considerations for GI Procedures

Pre-procedure

• Confirm advance directive status before sedation
• Review specific directives regarding:
  • Artificial nutrition
  • Endoscopic intervention
  • Emergency resuscitation

During procedures

• Maintain readily accessible copies in procedure rooms
• Follow specified protocols for emergency situations

Legal Compliance

• Adhere to state-specific requirements
• Update policy annually
• Maintain documentation for minimum of 7 years

Review and Updates

This policy shall be reviewed annually by practice leadership and updated as needed to reflect changes in regulations or practice requirements.