In this second section of the article, Registered Medical Practitioners will learn about one of the subjects covered by NMC regulations, specifically, RMPS's duties to patients.

RMPS's responsibilities to their patient

1. An RMP shall endeavour to be prompt in attending to patients and should keep in time with appointments or visiting/consultation hours. If the RMP is delayed for a valid reason, the patient should be informed.

2. An RMP may also advise referral when necessary to another RMP who is specialised in the treatment of the patient’s ailment.
3. In case of emergency (life and limb saving procedure) an RMP shall provide first aid and other services to the patient according to his expertise and the available resources before referral.

Incapacity

A Registered Medical Practitioner having any incapacity (induced or otherwise) detrimental to the patient or professional practice, which can affect his decision-making or skill in treating the patient is not permitted to practice his profession for the period of incapacity. Use of Alcohol or other intoxicants during duty or off duty which can affect professional practice will constitute misconduct.

Confidentiality

 Every communication between RMP and patients shall be kept confidential. Such communication, whether personal, or related to health and treatment, shall not be revealed unless required by the laws of the state, or if non-disclosure may itself be detrimental to the health of the patient or another human being.

Truth-telling

The RMP should neither exaggerate nor minimise the gravity of a patient’s condition. He/ She shall ensure that the patient or legally appointed representative has such knowledge of the patient’s condition that can assist in making decisions that will best serve the interests of the patient.

Patient care

1. An RMP is free to choose whom he will serve, except in case of a life-threatening emergency.
2. Having accepted a case, the RMP should neither neglect the patient nor withdraw from the case without giving adequate notice to the patient and his family.
3. If a change of RMP is needed (for example, the patient needs a procedure done by another RMP), consent should be obtained from the patient himself or the guardian.
4. The RMP who attends to the patient will be fully accountable for his actions and entitled to the appropriate fees. In case of abusive, unruly, and violent patients or relatives, the RMP can document and report the behaviour and refuse to treat the patient. Such patients should be referred for further treatment elsewhere.

Referral

Only such follow-up consultation should be planned as required by the patient. Likewise, laboratory investigations ordered for the patient should be justified. An update/summary of the clinical condition and reasons for referral must be documented and provided at the referral. Specialist referral must be sought to benefit only the patient and duly justified in medical documents.

Signatures

All signatures in the notes, prescriptions, certificates, orders, referral summaries etc, should carry the RMP’s Name and NMC Registration number. Electronic generation of orders/prescriptions may help automation of this information.

Consultation by telemedicine

Consultation through telemedicine by the Registered Medical Practitioner shall be permissible following the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (Telemedicine Guideline).

This is part 2 of the article. Click here to read the previous part- NMC Regulations 2022: What Every Doctor Should Know

Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.

About the author of this article: Dr Monish Raut is a practising super specialist from New Delhi.