Patient Termination

Description

This brief audio presentation will give healthcare providers information on how to mitigate their risk when terminating a patient relationship. The key topics covered include establishing patient expectations, what to do when expectations aren’t being met, special circumstances to consider prior to termination, and finally, the elements of the termination notice.

Description of the Professional Practice Gap (PPG)

Healthcare professionals lack knowledge regarding the risks associated with patient termination, laws governing termination in specific situations, and effective risk mitigation strategies. This knowledge gap increases the likelihood of claims of abandonment, creating legal and ethical concerns within patient-provider relationships.
 

Learning Outcome Statement

Upon completion of this CME program, healthcare professionals will be able to rate their confidence and knowledge of the risks associated with patient termination, understand the laws governing termination in specific situations, and effectively implement risk mitigation strategies. This knowledge will enable healthcare professionals to minimize the likelihood of claims of abandonment, ensuring legal and ethical compliance within patient-provider relationships.
 

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, learners will be able to:

• Draft a comprehensive document clarifying the expectations patients can have from my medical practice, as well as the expectations my practice holds for its patients.
• Design and implement a template for a patient termination letter that encompasses essential components including providing the 30-day notice, explaining the process for handling copies of medical records, and offering referrals to alternate healthcare providers.
• Revise and update the policies of my organization to establish clear guidelines on the steps for terminating a patient including addressing the necessary documentation and communication protocols involved in the process.

Course Developers

Julie Ritzman, MBA, CPHRM, Vice President Patient Safety Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Michelle Swift, RN, JD, CPHRM, CPPS, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Kimberly Hathaway, MSN, RN, CPHRM, CPHQ, Director Patient Safety Healthcare Quality & Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Johanna Lackner, MPH, MSW, Senior Director, Continuing Professional Development, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company
 

Continuing Education Credit

The Doctors Company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical educational activities for physicians.

The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

No individual in a position to control or influence the content of this activity has reported relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. No commercial support was provided for this activity.

ANCC - Accreditation and Disclosure Statement

The Doctors Company is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 0.5 nursing contact hour. Learners should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

No individual in a position to control or influence the content of this activity has reported relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. No commercial support was provided for this activity.

ADA - Accreditation and Disclosure Statement

This continuing education activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP) by The   Doctors Company.

The Doctors Company is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at ADA.org/CERP.

The Doctors Company designates this activity for 0.5 continuing education credit.

No individual in a position to control or influence the content of this activity has reported relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. No commercial support was provided for this activity.

Disclaimer

The information and guidelines contained in this activity are generalized and may not apply to all practice situations. We recommend that legal advice be obtained from a qualified attorney for specific application to your practice. The information is intended for educational purposes and should be used as a reference guide only.

Complies with State Requirements

Please SEE the Federation of State Medical Boards overview of Continuing Medical Education requirements by State. 
Please SEE the Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse CE Requirements by State.

Technical Requirements

The activity is best experienced using the most current browser: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer is not supported on this platform. All activities featuring audio must have a speaker. To view graphic images and references that appear in separate "pop-up" windows, JavaScript and session cookies must be enabled on your computer. Adobe Acrobat Reader may be required for certain activities.

Contact Us

If you have questions, contact educationsupport@thedoctors.com or call 800.421.2368.

Resource

Visit our Resource document for this program.