What is the minimum documentation standard when prescribing care to a family member?

• A. The clinician must perform a physical examination and maintain a proper med record like any other patient.
• B. Only a note in the chart is required.
• C. Records are optional if the patient is a family member.
• D. The case should be filed as a private note.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that there isn’t a special, extra documentation rule just because the patient is a family member. The minimum is to document the encounter in the standard medical record, the same way you would for any patient. The option stating that records are optional reflects that no additional or separate documentation specific to the family relationship is required beyond the usual charting. In practice, you should still capture the essential history, assessment, plan, and any consent or conflicts in the chart, keeping everything in the regular medical record rather than a private or separate file.