What Must a Therapist Document when Meeting with a Patient?
A therapist must document both the patient's history and what takes place during therapy sessions. Failure to properly record either of these two things can make a therapist liable for malpractice.
What Does a Therapist Have to Include in a Patient's History?
The main reason for taking the patient's history is to give context for a correct diagnosis. Taking a history is important not only for the therapist, but also for any future licensing boards or expert witnesses who may need to see if a therapist acted with proper care. Most importantly, though, a patient's history is essential for a therapist to ensure a proper diagnosis. Failing to take a proper history shows a lack of care and can make a therapist liable for malpractice. In the history, a therapist should include:- The symptoms the patient had when he first arrived at therapy
- Any prior therapy the patient has undergone
- Any history of mental illness in the family
- Any medication the patient is on
- How long the symptoms have lasted
What Does a Therapist Have to Do to Take Proper Notes?
Obviously, a therapist is not expected to create a precise transcription of a therapy session. However, a therapist does have the duty to properly record a general picture of what went on during the session. While the notes do not have to be in plain English, they do have to be legible and decipherable. Generally, a therapist's notes should include:- What the patient said
- The therapist's responses and questions to what the patient said
- The patient's behavior during the session
If a Patient Request that his Therapist Not Take Notes, Can the Therapist Choose to Do So?
No, a therapist should never give in to a patient's request that he not take notes. Such a request will not excuse the therapist from liability for malpractice and may make it difficult for him to make a proper diagnosis.
Should I Contact a Lawyer about My Documentation Issues?
If you believe that your therapist has been giving you inadequate care because of his failure to properly document sessions, or if you are a therapist who has been remiss in your documentation duties, you may want to speak with a malpractice lawyer to learn more about your rights. An experienced malpractice lawyer will be able to address your concerns and give you advice on the proper course of action. |
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