Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

AMA Question

When a doctor says the patient may not leave sign the paperwork to leave AMA, then what is their leaving the hospital classified as?

I had one patient with suicidal ideation who wanted to leave, I discussed with her her concerns and told her why leaving would not be in her best interest. However, she persisted saying she wanted to leave. I asked her to think about it and that I would be back in 10 minutes.

During that time I called the doctor to let him know her concerns. He then told me she was not allowed to sign out AMA and to document everything that happened.

What are the boundaries around leaving AMA?

Featured Replies

if she was a legal pt who is on a 72 hour hold because she can injure herslf she cannot leave ama .. if she does leave i call the police, because she is a danger to herself... i agree w/the doc she sholdn't of left if she had succidal ideation.. i would of held her for a psych evualtion... the doc is held liable if she hurts herslf and he lets her go... when a legal hold leaves . i call the police and have them picked up and brought back to the hospital.. i wouldn't want a death on my conscience and license...

When we had a patient with suicidal ideation they were not allowed to sign out AMA unless they were cleared by psych first. We restrained many patients over time because of this. We would also have a one-on-one with the person. If they were uncoopreative then we would also put security in the room. If they are suicidal they are not in their right mind.

When a pt comes in and is deemed a threat to self or others (suicidal/homicidal ideations) then AMA goes out the window. Dr. can hold them for up to 72hrs for psych eval.

:nurse:

When a doctor says the patient may not leave sign the paperwork to leave AMA, then what is their leaving the hospital classified as?

I agree with all of the above, but to answer the first question, it's called "elopement."

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.

Currently Reading 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.