Transmittal Notice 04-09
01/14/05
BACKGROUND:
This chapter establishes the Indian Health Service (IHS) policy regarding a patient?s right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment. Every person recognized as competent to make medical decisions has the right to determine whether or not he/she will receive treatment. Whenever possible, the patient or his/her surrogate should have the opportunity to consider ahead of time if life-sustaining or life-prolonging treatment is desired. It is the responsibility of all health care providers to include their patients in the decision-making process and to adhere to Federal law governing patient self-determination.
Charles W. Grim, D.D.S., M.H.S.A.
Assistant Surgeon General
Director, IHS
MATERIAL TRANSMITTED:
Part 3, Chapter 26, ?Patient Self-Determination and Advance Directives,? Indian Health Manual (IHM).
MATERIAL SUPERSEDED:
This chapter supersedes IHS Circular No. 92-2, ?Patient Self-Determination and Advance Directives - Policy,? dated March 19, 1992.
MANUAL MAINTENANCE:
File the attached table of contents and IHM chapter in their appropriate place.
Log and file this Transmittal Notice in sequential order.
Distribution: IHS-wide
Date" January 14, 2005
