Dear Chris

How often do you and your staff obtain a new written informed consent for treatment? State laws vary some, but let me throw this out there.... I frequently see dentists disciplined for not having signed consent when they should have had it. Conversely, I have never seen a dentist disciplined for having consent forms signed for every clinical procedure (or too many consents). 

When in doubt as to whether or not you need consent, err on the side of caution and get it!

Some principles to remember about consent:

• Always get consent in writing
• Consent forms should give patients enough information to help them decide whether to give or withhold consent
• Consent forms must be properly completed, dated and signed
• Consent needs to be provided by the right person (parent or guardian)
• Always have consent forms signed in person, never by fax, mail, e-mail or other means. These forms are important and you have to know who actually signed the consent form.
• Include a witness signature to verify the patient/ guardian signature was witnessed.
• Have your attorney and/ or liability insurance company review your consent forms.

Also, be careful with signed refusals. It is not a permission slip for you to perform bad dentistry. If a patient will not follow your recommendations based on industry standards and best practices you might consider discharging that patient for non-compliance. Be sure to do so according to the laws of your state. Many states allow dentists to dismiss patients 'for cause'. Non-compliance could be 'cause' enough. 

We'll talk again soon!

Make today your greatest ever!

*** Duane Tinker ***
Chief Compliance Coach & Consultant 
Dental Compliance Specialists
duane@dentalcompliance.com
817-755-0035
 

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