AMA Question

[abundantjoy07, RN]

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?

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

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...

[mianders, RN]

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.

[nursegreen]

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.

[ERNurse03]

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."