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Learn about the important elements of a transition policy for adolescent patients, including staff education, legal changes, patient discussions, and written policies.
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Legal Issues Related to Care of Transition Age Patients Chuck Crews Crews Law Offices 215 Batesville Road, Suite C Simpsonville, SC 29681 864-675-9581 Chuck@CrewsLaw.us www.CrewsLawOffices.com
TRANSITION POLICY Transition Policy is the first element of the Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition Medical providers should have a well-defined, written policy that clearly states the expectatons for health care transition of adolescent patients to adult model of care
TRANSITION POLICY A practice’s Transition Policy should include the following: - Education of staff about the practice’s approach to transition
TRANSITION POLICY A practice’s Transition Policy should include the following: - Education of staff about the practice’s approach to transition - Explanation of legal changes regarding patient privacy and consent
TRANSITION POLICY A practice’s Transition Policy should include the following: - Education of staff about the practice’s approach to transition - Explanation of legal changes regarding patient privacy and consent - Discussions with patients and parents concerning transition
TRANSITION POLICY A practice’s Transition Policy should include the following: - Education of staff about the practice’s approach to transition - Explanation of legal changes regarding patient privacy and consent - Discussions with patients and parents concerning transition - Written policy posted for all to see
TRANSITION POLICY Set expectations of the patient and the patient’s parents or guardian
TRANSITION POLICY Set expectations of the patient and the patient’s parents or guardian Document the patient file!!!
AGE OF MAJORITY The age at which a person is considered an adult capable of making their own decisions, including medical care Age is 18 in most states, including SC Exceptions are Alabama (19), Nebraska (19), Washington, D.C. (21) and Mississippi (21)
COMMON ISSUES IN TRANSITION Privacy
COMMON ISSUES IN TRANSITION Privacy Informed consent
COMMON ISSUES IN TRANSITION Privacy Informed consent Guardianship/Conservatorship
COMMON ISSUES IN TRANSITION Privacy Informed consent Guardianship/Conservatorship SSI Benefits
COMMON ISSUES IN TRANSITION Privacy Informed consent Guardianship/Conservatorship SSI Benefits Special Needs Trusts
PRIVACY HIPAA rules apply just as with any other patient
PRIVACY HIPAA rules apply just as with any other patient • Patient is entitled to a copy of their records
PRIVACY HIPAA rules apply just as with any other patient • Patient is entitled to a copy of their records • Patient has right to have errors in records corrected
PRIVACY HIPAA rules apply just as with any other patient • Patient is entitled to a copy of their records • Patient has right to have errors in records corrected - Patient has right to know who has seen records
PRIVACY SHARE MEDICAL INFORMATION OF PATIENT ONLY UNDER LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES
PRIVACY SHARE MEDICAL INFORMATION OF PATIENT ONLY UNDER LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES • Patient consents
PRIVACY SHARE MEDICAL INFORMATION OF PATIENT ONLY UNDER LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES • Patient consents • Patient present and fails to object
PRIVACY SHARE MEDICAL INFORMATION OF PATIENT ONLY UNDER LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES • Patient consents • Patient present and fails to object • Professional judgment
INFORMED CONSENT • Patient fully able to understand the nature of the proposed treatment, including the benefits and risks
INFORMED CONSENT • Patient fully able to understand the nature of the proposed treatment, including the benefits and risks • Provider must have accurate information about patient’s independent decision-making status
GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP PROCESS
GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP PROCESS - File petition with Court
GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP PROCESS • File petition with Court • Court appoints physicians, GAL, Visitor
GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP PROCESS • File petition with Court • Court appoints physicians, GAL, Visitor • Hearing
GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP PROCESS • File petition with Court • Court appoints physicians, GAL, Visitor • Hearing • Appointment
GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP OTHER REQUIREMENTS - Bonding
GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP OTHER REQUIREMENTS - Bonding - Annual report
Cessation of benefits beyond age 18 is common SSI BENEFITS
SSI BENEFITS Cessation of benefits beyond age 18 is common - Ensure medical record fully documents any disability
SSI BENEFITS Cessation of benefits beyond age 18 is common • Ensure medical record fully documents any disability • Advise patient and guardian to seek legal assistance
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS WHAT IS IT? A legal arrangement and fiduciary relationship that allows a physically or mentally disabled or chronically ill person to receive income without reducing their eligibility for the public assistance disability benefits provided by Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare or Medicaid.
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS HOW DOES IT WORK? Trustee manages funds for benefit of disabled person and uses funds for the beneficiary’s benefit AT DISCRETION OF THE TRUSTEE
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS CAN BE USED FOR - Personal care attendants
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS CAN BE USED FOR - Personal care attendants - Education
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS CAN BE USED FOR - Personal care attendants - Education - Recreation
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS GET LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Chuck Crews Crews Law Offices 215 Batesville Road, Suite C Simpsonville SC 29651 (864) 675-9581 Website: CrewsLawOffices.com E-Mail: Chuck@CrewsLaw.us