Can I discharge myself from the hospital at any time?
You can discharge yourself from hospital. Any adult who has the capacity to make independent decisions and healthcare decisions has the right to decide whether or not to submit to medical treatment and/or stay in a hospital. Before a patient is discharged against medical advice, if you wish to leave the hospital against medical advice, your doctor will try to communicate with you and inform you as to why the continued hospitalization is recommended and the potential consequences and the risks if you choose to live against medical advice. The doctor will also suggest any alternatives that are possible, including transfers to another hospital or out patient treatment if that possible for you. Once you notify the nurse that you want to leave against medical advice, she will contact your physician immediately, and that physician will be asked to talk to you, either in person or by telephone. If you still decide to leave against advice, you'll be asked to sign and complete a form documenting that you were given information regarding the possible risks and consequences that may result from your decision to leave against medical advice. The hospital and the physician will take reasonable steps to ensure that if you leave the hospital, you leave in a very safe manner. If the physician feels that its unsafe for you to drive, the hospital may call a taxi or arrange an ambulance at your expense to take you to your destination.
