Advanced Directives and Healthcare Decisions Policy for Plastic Surgery Practice

Purpose

To establish standardized procedures for handling advanced directives in plastic surgery practice and ensure compliance with patient autonomy rights.

Policy Statement

This practice respects and honors patients' rights to make informed decisions about their healthcare, including the right to accept or refuse medical treatment through advanced directives.

Procedures

1. Documentation Requirements

• Inquire about existing advanced directives during initial consultation
• Maintain copies of advanced directives in patient's electronic medical record
• Update advanced directive status at each pre-surgical visit

2. Types of Advanced Directives Accepted

• Living Will
• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
• Healthcare Proxy Designation
• DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Orders

3. Staff Responsibilities

Front Office Staff

• Request advanced directive documentation during registration
• Scan and upload documents to EMR
• Flag charts with active advanced directives

Clinical Staff

• Review advanced directives with patients
• Document discussions in medical record
• Ensure surgical consent aligns with directives

Surgeons

• Discuss impact of directives on planned procedures
• Document any modifications to directives for specific procedures
• Obtain informed consent accordingly

4. Emergency Protocols

• Clear procedures for implementing directives during emergencies
• Communication protocol with emergency facilities
• Documentation requirements for directive implementation

Legal Considerations

• Compliance with state laws regarding advanced directives
• Regular review of policy by legal counsel
• Annual staff training on advanced directive handling

Documentation

All staff members must acknowledge receipt and understanding of this policy annually.

Practice Administrator Signature

Date