SCOPE: Triage Nurse, RN, Registered Nurse
POLICY: Patients/clients have the right to be involved in all aspects of his or her care. This includes the right to refuse treatment or care and may include opting not to comply with the recommendations of the triage nurse as well as the provider.
PROCEDURE: Once informed of intention not to comply with recommendations; the triage nurse will attempt a reassessment
- Reassessment should include the patient/caller’s understanding of the seriousness of the situation and the patient/caller’s ability to act in his/her or the patient’s own best interest.
- If the patient/caller is deemed to understand the consequences of non-compliance with the recommended disposition AND is thought to be competent to make this decision, the nurse will acknowledge the patient/caller’s wishes, document the situation comprehensively, and close the call with the invitation to call back at any time.
RELATED POLCIES: none
EXCEPTIONS: Patient identified at risk of harming self or others. Patient with identified concerns regarding competency or ability to act in his own best interest.
