When a patient leaves the hospital AMA (against medical advice) is the physician-patient relationship automatically severed?
No. The patient can assert that the AMA was purely for some aspect of treatment, such as surgery or physical therapy, but not all care and treatment. Always document and record in the case of an AMA and send a letter to the patient confirming their forfeiture of care and the potential consequences of their actions. Ask the patient to reconsider, but do not deny the patient access to ongoing care. Consider terminating the physician-patient relationship. Depending on the circumstances, seek legal guidance before taking such action.
Related Questions
- An NTP patient has been admitted to a hospital for treatment of a medical condition other than addiction. Can the hospital supply the treatment medication?
- When a patient leaves the hospital AMA (against medical advice) is the physician-patient relationship automatically severed?
- May the hospital use or disclose a patients entire medical record based on the patientssigned consent?
