Discharges against medical advice. Provider accountability and psychiatric patients' rights.

If clinicians decide to prevent a voluntary patient from leaving a facility, proper protocols must be followed within the time limits defined in that state's laws on detentions. AMA discharges can sometimes be prevented by expedient treatment that includes involving the patient in goal-setting, adequate patient teaching, and appropriate discharge planning. Hospital management personnel should be familiar with individual state laws on detention protocols and should assist staff in resolving irregular discharge questions.