Tag: Refusing treatment

Approximately 1-2% of all hospital admissions end in a discharge against medical advice (AMA). As a patient, you have fundamental rights regarding your medical treatment and care, but understanding the process and risks involved when you decide to leave before your doctor recommends it is critical. The decision of whether or not can I ask a hospital to discharge me is tied to your right to informed consent and autonomy.

By law, competent adult patients generally have the right to refuse treatment, but many are surprised to learn this does not always mean a hospital cannot mandate you to stay under certain legal circumstances. This fundamental patient right has critical exceptions that are essential to understand.

According to the American Medical Association, patients have the right to refuse treatment, even if it could lead to death. Understanding these rights is the first step in addressing the complex and sensitive question of what to do if a patient refuses therapy, empowering practitioners to navigate this ethical dilemma with care and respect.