Advanced Directives Policy for Dental Practices

Purpose

To establish guidelines for the management and documentation of patient advanced directives in accordance with state laws and dental practice standards.

Policy Statement

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

Definitions

• Advanced Directive: A legal document that explains how a patient wants medical decisions to be made if they cannot make the decisions themselves
• Healthcare Power of Attorney: A legal document naming someone to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient
• Living Will: A document specifying what medical treatments the patient does or does not want in case they become terminally ill

Procedures

1. Documentation Requirements

• Request and maintain copies of patients' advanced directives in their dental records
• Document the existence or absence of advanced directives in the patient's chart
• Update information annually or when the patient provides new documentation

2. Staff Responsibilities

• Front office staff shall inquire about advanced directives during initial registration
• Clinical staff shall review advanced directives before treatment
• Practice manager shall ensure compliance with state regulations

3. Patient Communication

• Inform patients of their rights regarding advanced directives
• Provide resources for creating advanced directives
• Document all discussions regarding advanced directives

Compliance

• Annual staff training on advanced directives policy
• Regular audits of patient records for proper documentation
• Updates to policy as required by state law changes

References

[State-specific legal requirements to be inserted]

Review and Updates

This policy shall be reviewed annually and updated as needed.