Advanced Directives Policy and Procedures for Urgent Care Centers

Purpose

To establish standardized procedures for handling advanced directives in the urgent care setting while ensuring compliance with state laws and protecting patient autonomy.

Policy Statement

This urgent care facility shall respect and process all valid advanced directives in accordance with state regulations and facility protocols.

Definitions

• Advanced Directive: Legal document outlining patient's wishes for future medical care
• Living Will: Written statement detailing preferred medical treatments
• Healthcare Proxy: Designated individual to make medical decisions
• POLST/MOLST: Physician/Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment

Procedures

1. Documentation Requirements

• Verify existence of advanced directive during registration
• Obtain copy for medical record
• Scan and attach to EMR within 24 hours
• Document location of original directive

2. Staff Responsibilities

Registration Staff

• Ask all patients about existing advanced directives
• Request copies of documentation
• Note status in registration system

Clinical Staff

• Review documented advanced directives
• Verify current validity with patient/family
• Ensure compliance with stated wishes
• Document any changes or updates

3. Emergency Situations

• Provide immediate necessary care
• Access advanced directive documentation as soon as feasible
• Contact healthcare proxy if appointed

Compliance

• Annual staff training required
• Quarterly audit of documentation compliance
• Regular policy review and updates

References

• State Healthcare Decisions Act
• Facility Emergency Protocols
• EMR Documentation Guidelines