Chiropractic Practice Advanced Directives Policy

Purpose

To establish guidelines for the documentation, implementation, and respect of patients' advanced directives within our chiropractic practice.

Policy Statement

[Practice Name] respects and honors patients' rights to make informed decisions about their healthcare, including the right to accept or refuse treatment and to formulate advanced directives.

Definitions

• Advanced Directive: A written document stating how medical decisions should be made if the patient becomes unable to make them
• Healthcare Proxy: An individual designated by the patient to make healthcare decisions on their behalf
• Living Will: A document specifying medical treatments the patient would or would not want in specific circumstances

Procedures

1. Documentation

• All patients will be asked about existing advanced directives during initial intake
• Copies of advanced directives will be maintained in patient records
• Documentation will be reviewed annually or upon patient request

2. Staff Responsibilities

• Front desk staff shall inquire about advanced directives during registration
• Clinical staff shall review directives and document in EHR
• Providers shall ensure treatment plans align with stated directives

3. Patient Rights

• Patients have the right to create, modify, or revoke advanced directives
• The practice will not discriminate based on the existence of advanced directives
• Treatment will not be conditional upon having an advanced directive

Compliance

• This policy complies with state laws regarding advanced directives
• Annual staff training on advanced directives will be conducted
• Policy review occurs annually

Documentation Requirements

1. Advanced directive status in patient chart
2. Copy of current advanced directive
3. Annual verification of directive status
4. Staff training records

Last Updated: [Date] Policy Number: [Number]