If a facility determines that an attending physician is not performing duties properly and the resident wants to change doctors, what is the facility's legal obligation to make such a change?

If a facility determines that an attending physician is not performing duties properly and the resident wants to change doctors, what is the facility's legal obligation to make such a change?

• A. Assist the resident in choosing a new physician.
• B. Choose a new physician for the resident.
• C. Do nothing.
• D. Force the physician to resign.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is honoring the resident’s right to participate in decisions about their medical care and to have access to a physician of their choosing. When a resident wants to change attending physicians because they feel the current doctor isn’t performing duties properly, the facility should help make that transition. This means assisting the resident in finding a new physician, arranging introductions or referrals as needed, and ensuring medical records are transferred so care remains continuous. The facility should not impose a new doctor on the resident, and it should not do nothing or force the current physician to resign against the resident’s wishes. By assisting the resident in selecting a new physician, the facility supports the resident’s autonomy and aims to maintain or improve quality of care.

The key idea is honoring the resident’s right to participate in decisions about their medical care and to have access to a physician of their choosing. When a resident wants to change attending physicians because they feel the current doctor isn’t performing duties properly, the facility should help make that transition. This means assisting the resident in finding a new physician, arranging introductions or referrals as needed, and ensuring medical records are transferred so care remains continuous. The facility should not impose a new doctor on the resident, and it should not do nothing or force the current physician to resign against the resident’s wishes. By assisting the resident in selecting a new physician, the facility supports the resident’s autonomy and aims to maintain or improve quality of care.