RULES / POLICIES DURING OBSERVERSHIP

Digitaldoc at your service again ;-) Trying to compile a set of rules , policies for IMGs undertaking an Observerhip from various sources over the Internet - remember these will apply only for observerships.

Note: These will apply to most places with individual variations - but should give you a good idea

• Observers must be directly supervised at all times by their sponsoring faculty physician.
• Observers are not usually covered under the Hospital' / University's Professional Liability Insurance (Malpractice Insurance).
• Observers may not see or interact with patients individually. They must inform all patients that they are an observer and ask permission to observe. If permission is refused, they will leave the area.
• Observers may not provide medical care, take a medical history, examine a patient, provide medical advice to a patient, or assist in surgery or other procedures.
• Observers may not make entries into patient charts. They may not make copies of any patient chart or other materials identified with patient's names or other identifying information.
• Observers may not write orders for patients or make verbal orders for patients.
• Observers may not have independent access to patient information (electronic or written) or restricted areas of the Hospital / University
  
• Observers may not bill for any service.
• Some places might now allow Observers to wear a white coat, so as not to be confused with a resident/fellow, medical student or staff physician - in other places they will give you another badge to wear to clearly identify your status
  
• Observers receive no benefits, including health insurance. They MUST provide proof of their own health insurance, valid in the U.S. They are NOT covered under the Hospitals or University's Workers’ Compensation policy and the hospital / university is not liable for any injury the observer obtains while on this observership.
• Observers generally receive no financial support and are responsible for their own expenses, including meals and parking fees.
• Observers will follow all applicable policies of the hospital / university.

But do note that these 'rules' not universal, federally regulated laws - rather they are generalizations mostly, are hospital-specific and are under the command of the physician-in-charge. At times, a physician may feel comfortable having his/her observer do some hands-on clinical examination ...thats always good. Candidates, too - when they get comfortable with their mentoring physicians, could try requesting for a chance to participate in regular clinical examination - many do give in :-)