The information included in this issue of Risk E-Notes is intended to provide members with a general introduction to a few of the procedural requirements impacting Covered Entities under Section 1557 of the ACA. It is not intended as exhaustive or comprehensive treatment of this subject or as legal advice.

As every patient visit concludes with a documented office visit encounter, the visit note should include when the patient is advised to return. It is important for the physician to document when a patient should return to the office and for what purpose.

The Patient Partnership Plan was developed by CAP risk management and patient safety specialists to help physicians increase the levels of accountability of the patient by managing their levels of expectations, thus reducing risk and liability.

In general, minors (individuals under the age of 18 years) require a parent or legal guardian to consent for medical care and treatment. However, there are a few exceptions that allow minors to provide their own consent for certain types of medical care.

Since 2011, CAP's Risk Management Institute has provided online risk management training to medical office staff. Designed specifically for front and back office staff, the Risk Management Institute is available exclusively to CAP member practices free of charge.