Advance Directives

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I work in an outpatient facility & they have stated that they "do not honor any advance directives". They have created this policy in order to avoid having to ask all patients about advance directives. Is this legal? I'm having a hard time getting solid information about what is the correct way to deal with this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I thought it was required to ask about Advance Directives in any facility that receives any funding from the federal government or the state! Am I incorrect?

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Specializes in mental health; hangover remedies.

I don't know the regional legislate but in principle if a person has an AD countersigned by a legally qualified person then the facility would be very negligent to not take an interest and follow the AD.

It would also depend on the nature of the service - as a consenting service, if they want to state they don't honour ADs then there should be an option for those who have ADs to be treated elsewhere.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

maybe you can elaborate as to what type of outpatient facility it is.

I dont see an issue myself.

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Thank you all who have responed so far....I work for an outpatient radiology practice. We perform CT, X-ray, Nuc Med, Ultrasound, Mammo's. Again any guidance will help.

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

weird-I'm curious to see what others say.I know that in some facilities DNR's are suspended during procedures requiring anesthesia.The surgeon's really don't want anyone to die on their table but I have never heard of this in a setting like yours...

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