Hi everyone,
I'm reaching out with a question submitted by one of our members, and I'd love your input!
In most states, patient decisional capacity is typically determined by a medical physician. In home health agencies, however, provider involvement in patient care is typically nurses, therapists, social workers and other skilled caregivers who are not MDs.
As a matter of community practice, when it is needed, how do home health agencies make determinations about decisional capacity for a patient/client? Do they always use a physician? What process is followed? Do they rely on previous written determinations made by a referring physician? Does their medical director get involved? At a granular level, how is this handled?
I appreciate any information or perspective you can provide-thank you in advance!
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Carla Smith
National Alliance for Care at Home
Manager, Member Engagement
csmith@allianceforcareathome.org------------------------------