Informed patient safety update pennsylvania

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Stem the tide of the opioid epidemic. Increase access to health care. Provide high-quality supports and protections to vulnerable Pennsylvanians. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enable scripts and reload this page. An Official Pennsylvania Government Website. Department of Health. Page Content. Popular Reso urces Pennsylvania has a number of resources to help people stay safe and healthy during this global pandemic.

Human coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold: Through the air by coughing or sneezing Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands Touching an object or surface with the virus on it Occasionally, fecal contamination. Emergency warning signs can include: Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion Inability to wake or stay awake Bluish lips or face. The duty to obtain the patient's informed consent belongs solely to the physician. Although this ruling was controversial, and the long-term legal implications are still unfolding, Shinal v.

Toms does give healthcare providers and organizations reason to carefully consider their current consent policies. Qualified staff members may also participate in the informed consent process by providing general educational information and reinforcing specific information that the treating healthcare provider has communicated to the patient. However, if a patient has questions or is wavering about a decision, staff should refer the patient back to the treating practitioner.

Staff members also may help facilitate the completion of forms after the treating practitioner has disclosed all relevant information to the patient. Although the examples of staff involvement above are generally accepted practices in many healthcare settings, providers should stay alert to state laws and evolving professional guidance in light of the Shinal v.

Toms case and other potential cases that might establish case law related to informed consent. Further, healthcare providers should avoid the common misperception that a signed consent form, by itself, demonstrates consent. The form merely documents one phase of the informed consent process. Thus, as part of the consent process, the provider should consider:. Additionally, patients should have ample time during appointments to ask questions, voice concerns, and clarify information with the treating provider.

Verbal and written: Claims involving informed consent issues. Retrieved from www.