If a patient refuses to sign the DD Form 2005, what should you do?

When a patient refuses to sign the DD Form 2005, it is essential to document the refusal accurately. Annotating the refusal and then signing the form serves to create a clear record of the patient's decision and protects the clinician from potential liability. This documentation is crucial in mental health settings where informed consent is a critical aspect of care. It communicates to other healthcare providers and stakeholders that the patient was presented with the necessary information and chose not to consent at that time.

The process of annotating the refusal helps ensure that the patient's autonomy is respected while also maintaining legal and ethical standards within the healthcare framework. This practice addresses the reality that patients have the right to refuse care but also underscores the clinician’s responsibility to document that refusal appropriately.

The other options, while they might seem reasonable, do not directly ensure that there is a proper record of the patient's choice. Seeking a supervisor's approval does not capture the patient's refusal in real-time. Filing the form without the signature may lead to complications later, as it lacks necessary documentation of the patient’s decision. Informing legal counsel immediately may be excessive unless there are specific legal concerns that arise, which typically would not be the case simply due to a refusal to sign.