WASHINGTON (CN) - The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to change its rules on responding to patients who are disruptive at a VA medical facility.
The old way emphasized arrest and punishment. The new way emphasizes continuation of treatment.
The agency's proposed rule would authorize the VA to modify the time, place, and manner in which patient treatment is provided, to ensure the safety of others and prevent interference with medical care.
Under this standard, the Chief of Staff would evaluate whether the patient's behavior could jeopardize the health or safety of others. The Chief of Staff would consider, among other things, the patient's individual fears; VA's obligation to provide the patient with high-quality medical care; and all of the pertinent facts, such as any prior counseling of the patient regarding his or her inappropriate behavior.
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