Unsafe Discharges: Ethics, Risk Reduction, and Obligations, Part 1

Physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) often face ethical challenges while facilitating transitions of care, especially when the transitions appear unsafe for the patient. Two particularly challenging scenarios are discharges from the skilled nursing facility against medical advice (AMA) and discharges associated with cessation of insurance coverage for SNF care. Providers may wonder how to do the right thing while reducing risk to themselves, the SNF, and the patient.