Nurses taking orders from physician office MAs in Texas

[bcred]

We work with a physician who insists on conveying orders through his office MA in one of our Texas facilities. Several nurses are refusing to take the orders. The Texas BNE stated they no longer address this issue but leave it to the hospital's standard of practice. The Medical Board referred to the Administrative code which also does not address the issue either. Other facilities in the area do accept his orders, but have no written standard.

Looking for a standard of practice, or information that addresses this issue.

[pattymac]

This issue has come up before here in Texas. The last thing I was told was that if the MD has delegated authority to someone then they are responsible for what that person says and does. Therefore, we were told to take the orders. I still don't like it, but if the state doesn't address it, I'm not sure what we can do. I'm not in that position anymore, but when I was I tried very hard NOT to take the orders if I could. Hopefully someone else will chime in with current info.

[GenXnurse]

I personally would call your hospital's risk management office and ask for some guidance. Then ask for a written policy. This grey area seems like it needs some specificity. I don't envy your position!

[Mellowchick]

Yeah, the MD's do that. They don't care who relays the orders. But here's your best solution.. FAX! You write exactly what you want, he reads it, writes his order, signs it, and it's faxed back. ALL DONE! :)