What is required to avoid abandonment when discontinuing care?

What is required to avoid abandonment when discontinuing care?

• A. Terminate immediately without notice
• B. Wait until patient misses an appointment
• C. Provide 30-day written notice and offer referrals
• D. Charge a termination fee to the patient

Answer: (C)

Providing care continuity when ending a patient relationship is about ensuring a safe and smooth transition for the patient. The required approach is to give the patient 30 days in writing and offer referrals to other qualified providers. This gives the patient time to establish ongoing care, creates a documented, professional process, and shows responsibility for the patient’s well-being. Terminating immediately without notice can leave the patient without guidance or access to care and can raise ethical and legal concerns. Waiting for a patient to miss an appointment does not address the need for a proactive transition and can still be construed as abandonment. Charging a termination fee is inappropriate and could create unnecessary barriers to care. In addition to notice and referrals, you should facilitate the transfer of medical records and assist with connecting the patient to a new provider to minimize gaps in treatment.

Providing care continuity when ending a patient relationship is about ensuring a safe and smooth transition for the patient. The required approach is to give the patient 30 days in writing and offer referrals to other qualified providers. This gives the patient time to establish ongoing care, creates a documented, professional process, and shows responsibility for the patient’s well-being. Terminating immediately without notice can leave the patient without guidance or access to care and can raise ethical and legal concerns. Waiting for a patient to miss an appointment does not address the need for a proactive transition and can still be construed as abandonment. Charging a termination fee is inappropriate and could create unnecessary barriers to care. In addition to notice and referrals, you should facilitate the transfer of medical records and assist with connecting the patient to a new provider to minimize gaps in treatment.