Know Your Rights: Understanding Hospital Discharge Against Medical Advice

With a few exceptions, every patient has the right to informed consent and the right to refuse medical care. It’s one thing to discuss the risks and benefits of a flu shot with a primary care physician during a check-up and decide against vaccination. However, refusing treatment in acute care settings and even leaving the hospital against medical advice (AMA) comes with significant risks.

There is a great deal of misinformation circulating among patients and even medical professionals like nurses and doctors about hospital discharges against medical advice. Family caregivers and seniors should be aware of their rights and how AMA discharges work to avoid feeling pressured into staying in the hospital or consenting to medical procedures.