Tag: Medical autonomy

According to a 2023 report of 3.3 million hospital records, 1.6% of patients in emergency departments chose to leave against medical advice, often due to long waits. So, can I leave the hospital if it's taking too long, and what are the consequences of that decision?

Yes, a competent adult has the legal right to refuse a Foley catheter in most circumstances. Grounded in the principle of patient autonomy, this right allows individuals to make informed decisions about their own medical treatment, even if those decisions contradict a healthcare provider's recommendation.