How can you ensure patient advocates are working within their scope of practice?

1 Know your scope of practice

The first step to ensure patient advocates are working within their scope of practice is to know your scope of practice. This may vary depending on your state, employer, setting, and type of patient advocacy. For example, some patient advocates may work as independent contractors, while others may work as part of a health care team or organization. Some patient advocates may focus on specific areas, such as health insurance, medical billing, or chronic disease management, while others may provide general support and guidance. You should familiarize yourself with the laws, regulations, standards, and policies that govern your scope of practice, as well as the expectations and limitations of your role. You should also review your credentials, qualifications, and competencies, and update them as needed.

2 Communicate your scope of practice

The second step to ensure patient advocates are working within their scope of practice is to communicate your scope of practice. This means informing your patients, colleagues, and other stakeholders about what you can and cannot do as a patient advocate. You should be clear, honest, and transparent about your services, fees, contracts, and boundaries. You should also explain the benefits and limitations of patient advocacy, and respect the patient's autonomy, preferences, and goals. You should avoid making promises or guarantees that you cannot fulfill, or giving advice or information that you are not qualified or authorized to give. You should also document and report your activities and outcomes, and seek feedback and evaluation.

3 Collaborate with other professionals

The third step to ensure patient advocates are working within their scope of practice is to collaborate with other professionals. As a patient advocate, you are part of a cross-functional team that includes health care providers, social workers, lawyers, and other experts who can help your patients achieve their health and wellness goals. You should establish and maintain positive and respectful relationships with these professionals, and communicate effectively and appropriately. You should also recognize and respect the scope of practice of other professionals, and refer your patients to them when necessary. You should also seek consultation, supervision, and mentorship from other experienced patient advocates or relevant professionals, and participate in continuing education and professional development.

5 Follow the code of ethics

The fifth step to ensure patient advocates are working within their scope of practice is to follow the code of ethics. The code of ethics is a set of principles and standards that guide the conduct and behavior of patient advocates. It reflects the values, goals, and responsibilities of the profession, and helps protect the rights and interests of the patients and the public. The code of ethics may vary depending on your affiliation, certification, or organization, but generally, it covers topics such as confidentiality, privacy, consent, advocacy, competence, integrity, accountability, and professionalism. You should familiarize yourself with the code of ethics that applies to your scope of practice, and adhere to it in all your actions and decisions. You should also report any violations or concerns to the appropriate authorities.

6 Review and update your scope of practice

The sixth step to ensure patient advocates are working within their scope of practice is to review and update your scope of practice. Your scope of practice is not static, but dynamic and evolving. It may change over time due to changes in the health care system, the needs and expectations of the patients, the advances in technology and knowledge, and the opportunities and challenges in the profession. You should regularly review and update your scope of practice, and adjust your services, skills, and competencies accordingly. You should also monitor and evaluate your performance and outcomes, and seek feedback and improvement. You should also stay informed and updated on the latest trends, developments, and best practices in patient advocacy.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?