What action should be taken if a patient refuses to sign the acknowledgment for the Notice?

Continuing with treatment without the signed acknowledgment is appropriate in situations where a patient refuses to sign the acknowledgment for the Notice. Medical regulations often recognize that while it is important to notify patients about their rights, a refusal to sign does not prevent treatment from being provided. The emphasis is on the duty to provide care while also ensuring that the patient is informed about their rights under privacy laws, such as HIPAA.

It's essential to balance patient rights with the delivery of necessary medical services. Acknowledgment serves primarily as an understanding of the patient's rights and the provider's privacy practices but does not serve as a prerequisite for receiving care. Proper documentation of the refusal is crucial, as it provides a record of the patient's choice and supports transparency in the provider-patient interaction.