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Does anyone know if the preop nurse is required to read the preop H&P of patients? I understand that the purpose of the preop H&P is to show that the patient is healthy enough to safely undergo anesthesia and surgery. Our surgeons sometimes bring them over at the last minute. Our preop checklist has us confirm that a preop H&P is on the chart but never have I been told we have to read them before sending a pt to the OR. We had an out pt "infusaport removal patient" fall after surgery while using the restroom right before being discharged and the big issue for her attorney was that I didn't go and ready the H&P prior to walking her 6 foot to the toilet and leaving her 5 minutes, telling her not to get up, with the call bell while I called her family back to the postop holding area. She was fully alert but apparently had had a previous hip and back surgery and used a cane at home. She was told not to get up unassisted. Are nurses required to read preop H&Ps prior to helping patients?