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Model Policy: Office Temperature

March 16, 2023 by

The purpose of this model policy is to ensure a comfortable and healthy work environment for all staff and patients by maintaining appropriate temperature settings in the medical office.

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Model Policy: Substance Abuse and Fitness for Duty

March 13, 2023 by

Workplace substance abuse remains a major challenge for workplaces. Although sound in principle, the traditional zero tolerance policy is ill-suited to the legal complexities of the modern world. This is especially true in states that have legalized marijuana. You can still take a clear and firm line on employee drug and alcohol abuse for the purpose of health and safety. But the policy also has to exhibit finesse and sensitivity to legal subtleties. One of the best ways to create an enforceable policy is to base it not on the legality of substance abuse but the undisputable fact that it renders employees unfit for duty to the detriment of safety. Here’s a Model Policy you can adapt.

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RISK MANAGEMENT

Model Policy: Medications error reporting

March 13, 2023 by

Why you need this policy:

Medications errors are among the medical issues for which medical practices must implement Quality Assurance (QA) standards, policies, and procedures. Although the objective is to prevent such errors, practices also must be prepared to respond effectively should they occur.

 

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TERMINATION

Model Policy: Progressive Discipline and Employee Termination

March 13, 2023 by

Why you need this policy:

There’s no point in having any policies, procedures, and standards unless you’re prepared to discipline employees who disobey them. The problem is that discipline is not only unpleasant but likely to result in some form of legal grievance, especially if the employee belongs to a union. That means you’ll end up having to defend your action before an arbitrator or court.

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BILLING & COLLECTIONS

Model Policy: Patient Billings Collection and Financial Policy

March 13, 2023 by

Why you need this policy:

Doctors have every right—and need—to be paid. But getting patients to pay their bills on time is a major challenge that forces you to confront a bewildering array of regulatory requirements, managed care and insurance contracts, and ethical constraints stemming from the doctor-patient relationship.


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MANAGING PATIENTS

Model Policy: Patients Rights and Responsibilities

March 13, 2023 by

Why you need this policy:

One of the things that makes service delivery so tricky is that medical patients aren’t just customers or consumers of services; they’re a partner in a collaboration designed to ensure their health. At least they should be. Although it might be self-evident to you and your physicians, not all patients appreciate that treatment is a collaboration. So it’s incumbent on you to make this clear at the very outset.

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MANAGING PATIENTS

Model Policy: Patient termination

March 13, 2023 by

Why you need this policy:

There are lots of legitimate reasons to want to terminate a patient. In the best case scenario, termination makes sense when the patient is “cured” and no longer needs to see the doctor. More often than not, termination is necessitated by less favorable changes in medical conditions and often for aspects of the relationship having nothing to do with treatment—like a patient’s violence, theft and other inappropriate behavior. Unfortunately, as a matter of law and ethics, terminating a patient isn’t a simple matter.

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RISK MANAGEMENT

Model Policy: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control

March 13, 2023 by

Why you need this policy:

All medical practices need infection control policies and procedures. And with regard to one particular form of infection—bloodborne pathogens that get into the bloodstream via puncture or piercing by contaminated needles or other medical sharps—QA measures must include a specific exposure control policy that meets the requirements of the federal workplace safety law called OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Act)—specifically, the regulation or “standard” dealing with bloodborne pathogens.

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TOOLS

Here’s a simple sample cancellation policy

March 8, 2023 by

Last-minute cancellations can turn an orderly day at the office into chaos as you scramble to reach patients to fill unexpected openings in the schedule. Unfilled appointment slots are costly in terms of clinician time, staff time and office overhead. That’s why you need to have an appointment cancellation policy and convey it to your patients. Here’s a short and simple cancellation policy you can post on your website and include in email and text appointment reminders. Appointment Cancellation Policy We understand that circumstances may arise that prevent you from keeping your scheduled appointment. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please provide us with at least 24 hours’ notice so that we can offer the appointment to another patient. If you do not provide us with at least… . . . read more.

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Sample policy on domestic abuse

December 26, 2022 by

Domestic abuse is a serious issue that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and psychological abuse. Medical offices have a unique role in addressing and preventing domestic abuse, as patients may disclose abuse during a medical appointment or seek medical attention as a result of abuse. If a patient discloses domestic abuse to a medical professional, it is important for the medical office to have a clear policy in place for how to respond. This policy should prioritize the safety and well-being of the patient and provide them with the necessary support and resources. There are several steps that medical offices can take to address and prevent domestic abuse: Provide a safe and welcoming environment: Medical offices should… . . . read more.

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