Order Delegation

[Keywords: delegate]
Order delegation allows staff to place and sign certain orders on a clinician's behalf.

Summary:

TRAINING VIDEO:  Order Delegation and Acknowledgement for Clinicians (9 minutes)

• The EMR administration group can set up individual delegation relationships, such as one MA ordering labs for one clinician
• The EMR folks can also set up group delegations, such as all of referrals ordering certain referrals for all clinicians
• Orders places by Delegates are signed, sent and gone, bearing the clinician's signature
• The clinician must "Acknowledges" the orders, from the Delegation sign-off page, with 72 hours to continue the delegate relationship
• Unfortunately, nurses cannot serve as delegates at this time  :(

Details:

Q:    What is Order Delegation? 

A:   It is when a staff member orders and signs something on behalf of a clinician.

Q:    Is that OK?

A:     Yes.  We control who is a delegate for what, and use strict standing orders at the policy level.

Q:    What might be ordered on my behalf?

A:     Two categories so far.

1. 1. 1. Referrals: When a referral has a wrong date, or a slight change is needed in the specialty or diagnosis, our trained referral staff will now handle it on your behalf.  If no clinical input is needed, you never have to see it in your Inbox.
      2. Labs: ACO Care managers are ordering overdue HgbA1C on ACO patients, to improve care and meet quality measures.

Q:    Can I see what was ordered?

A:     Yes!  In your Inbox, you get a big "multiple" Authorization batch.  You click it to view them, and click "Authorize" to dispense them all at once!

Q:    Can I deny one?

A:     No!  These orders have already gone out, with your signature.  If the referral is not faxed yet you could try to cancel it, but in general these are ordered and signed.

Q:    That feels weird!

A:     Indeed.  We actually did it for years in Centricity, like OBOT nurses signing lab orders using a clinician's name.  It is super common in the industry, and is part of our effort to get people working at the top of their license.  Recreating referrals with a different date, etc. is way below a clinician's license!

Q:    What if I don't like it?

A:     Two things:

1. Try it first!  When you see what was ordered, let us know if something makes you uncomfortable.  Maybe we can fix it, and improve the process for all!
2. If you want no part of it: You can opt out completely.  You will get all possible delegated items in your Inbox instead.  It is more work for you, and confusing for the staff, but can definitely be done.

Q:    How do I get more info?

A:     Watch the video!  

TRAINING VIDEO:  Order Delegation and Acknowledgement for Clinicians (9 minutes)