What should a physician assistant document when treating a suspected victim of family violence?

When treating a suspected victim of family violence, it is crucial for a physician assistant to document the reasons for believing that the injuries are related to family violence. This documentation is essential for several reasons. First, it provides clarity on the assessment and clinical judgment that led to the determination of family violence involvement, which can be critical for further legal and medical processes.

Validating this belief through thorough documentation creates a comprehensive record that can assist in ensuring the patient's safety and may be important in any future legal proceedings. The specific details supporting this assessment may include observations of the injuries, the patient's description of the incident, patterns of previous injuries, or any other contextual information that indicates the nature of the relationship with the perpetrator.

This practice not only adheres to legal requirements for reporting suspected abuse but also demonstrates the healthcare provider's professional responsibility to protect vulnerable patients. By focusing on the underlying reasons for suspecting family violence, the physician assistant can play a key role in effectively managing the case and offering support to the patient.