AMA (Against Medical Advice)
Formal Definition
A documented patient refusal of recommended medical treatment or hospitalization after being informed of the risks, releasing the clinical team from liability for adverse outcomes.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Signing out AMA" or "she wants to leave AMA" — when a patient insists on leaving before the team recommends.
Example
""Patient with active STEMI insisting he has to go home to care for his dog — thorough conversation about risks documented, AMA form signed, and we called his emergency contact. He stayed.""
Clinical Context
AMA requires capacity assessment. If a patient has decision-making capacity, they have the right to leave. If capacity is in question (intoxication, AMS, psychiatric emergency), a different framework applies. The AMA form protects the institution but doesn't eliminate duty of care — provide prescriptions, follow-up, and safety netting anyway.