Before you start to panic, I'm not relocating again - I just had a coffee and thought that title was funny (so I apologize if you had a panic attack lol). Recently I have moved where I'm living. After chatting with some of you about it, there was concern that I would be relocating my practice to the clinic closer to our house. That is NOT the case, but I did however think that it would be an interesting article to write for you. When RMTs either change practice locations or retire, there are standards and protocols we need to follow to ensure clients can continue care. Unlike most jobs, we cannot simply just hand in our two week resignation, pack up our office and leave. The main issue with this is client care, which is our number one concern as therapists. So if there are any changes to your care, RMTs need to notify you so that you can make an informed decision. Not to mention if the RMT does not it is considered professional misconduct and they could face some serious penalties.
The other concern with this is the client's chart and health information. Regardless of the situation, client information must be kept confidential, including if an RMT changes practice locations or decides to retire.
So, what is the actual procedure when this happens? The RMT will have to notify clients of the change. This usually involves going through all client files and selecting clients that are currently on treatment plans. Wither for therapeutic or stress management, you are still considered to be under their care. The therapist will then contact the client either in person, by email/letter or over the phone to review options with as much notice as possible.
If the RMT is changing location, details of the new location, including location, hours, fees, etc. will be discussed. You, as a client have a few options to decide from:
-continue care with the therapist, and your client health information will usually be transferred over.
-referral to another RMT if the location, hours and/or fees do not suit the client (the therapist will provide options)
-or referral to another health practitioner to continue with your care
If the RMT is retiring from the profession, the therapist will provide options for referrals to continue your care with another RMT, again providing options. What happens to your health information (health history and treatment notes)? These are legal documents and require privacy and confidentiality. The standards state that the RMT must keep these records for a minimum of 10 years after your last treatment. If the client is younger than 18 years old, the records must be kept for a minimum of 10 years after the client turns 18.
Again, while under care, your therapist will review the changes when/if they arise so that you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
And just as one last reminder that I'm not planning on changing practice locations for a very long time - so you can settle in for the long haul! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by today and I hope you have a great weekend!!
Reference:
Record Retention. (2000, July 07). Retrieved August 15, 2020, from https://www.cmto.com/policies/administration/record-retention/
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