Principle of autonomy
What is Patient Autonomy?
The foundational ethical principle that emphasizes the patient's right to self-determination and confidentiality.
What are any reasonable alternatives?
What a dentist should inform a patient about, besides the proposed treatment itself.
What is the confidentiality of patient records?
Dentists are obliged to safeguard this aspect of patient information.
Who is the dentist?
The party that has the ethical obligation to furnish records upon request.
A specific example of sensitive information that might require special handling?
What is HIV seropositivity (or chemical dependency or sexual preference)
What is the duty to treat according to the patient's desires?
This duty requires professionals to provide treatment within accepted bounds while adhering to the patient's desires.
What is in a manner that allows the patient to become involved?
The manner in which information should be provided to the patient regarding treatment decisions.
What is a manner consistent with the protection of the welfare of the patient?
The manner in which dentists shall maintain patient records.
Who are the patient and/or the patient's new dentist?
Two parties who can make a request for patient records.
The reason why dentists should obtain a patient's written permission before forwarding sensitive health records.
confidentiality laws vary by jurisdiction (and may prohibit the transfer of pertinent information)?
What are the patient's needs, desires, and abilities?
Dentists must give due consideration to these three aspects of a patient's situation when making treatment decisions.
What is Patient Involvement?
Code Section 1.A deals with this specific aspect of the dentist-patient relationship.
Who is the patient?
The person who, along with another dental practitioner, can request information from a patient's records.
What are dental X-rays (or copies/summaries of records)?
The type of information that must be included in the furnished records if beneficial for future treatment.
This action should be taken if a patient refuses permission to release data for consultation with another practitioner.
contemplating obtaining legal advice regarding the termination of the dentist-patient relationship
What is involving patients in treatment decisions in a meaningful way?
This is one of the dentist's primary obligations under the principle of autonomy, aside from safeguarding privacy.
What is allowing the patient to make meaningful treatment decisions?
The intended result of informing a patient of proposed treatments and alternatives.
What is any information that will be beneficial for the future treatment of that patient?
The information that dentists shall provide upon request, in accordance with applicable law.
What is whether or not the patient's account is paid in full?
The condition of the patient's account that does not negate the obligation to provide records.
The assumption made by Code Section 1.B regarding the dentist requesting information.
The dentist requesting the information is the patient's present dentist
What is "self-governance"?
The term used to describe the principle of patient autonomy.
What is involving the patient?
The dentist's role in facilitating a patient's meaningful participation in treatment decisions.
What is the protection of the confidentiality of a patient's records?
The "dominant theme" in Code Section 1.B
What is a nominal cost?
Records should be furnished either gratuitously or for this type of charge.
This must be sought from the patient prior to the release of data to a consulting practitioner if the patient cannot remain anonymous.
the permission of the patient