Question

After examining a competent adult patient who was bitten by a wild animal, the physician advises the patient to have a series of rabies injections. The patient refuses to undergo the injections and leaves the office. Which of the following actions should be taken by the practice?

A. Send a certified letter to the patient outlining the consequences.
B. Notify the physician's malpractice insurance carrier.
C. Notify the police.
D. Send a certified letter to the patient's family with a copy to the patient.

Answer 1

The practice should send a certified letter to the patient outlining the consequences of refusing rabies injections, to ensure the patient is informed and to protect the practice.

Step-by-step explanation:

The practice should send a certified letter to the patient outlining the consequences of refusing the rabies injections. This step is a critical follow-up to protect the practice legally and ensure the patient is well-informed about the risks of not receiving the treatment after exposure to rabies.

In the event a patient refuses potentially life-saving treatment such as rabies injections, it is crucial for the healthcare practice to have documentation that the patient was informed about the seriousness of the condition and the importance of the treatment recommended. The letter should include information about the nature of rabies, the statistically high fatality rate if the disease progresses, and the specific risks the patient faces by refusing treatment. The goal is to ensure the patient makes an informed decision while also legally safeguarding the physician and the practice. If the patient continues to refuse treatment, healthcare providers have a duty to respect the patient's autonomy, provided they are competent and have been given all the necessary information to make such a decision.