Policy and Procedures of Leave Against Medical Advice ( LAMA ) Introduction Patients may sometimes decide to leave the hospital against doctor recommendation. This act is called Leave Against Medical Advice ( LAMA ). Although a competent adult patient has the right to leave the hospital at any time (provided that the process is within the law and public health regulations), the duty of care that medical staff has towards their patients obligates them to make every possible effort to stop such ... The medico-legal implications of LAMA need to be given serious consideration as the caregiver might not be protected from malpractice . charges There is little evidence that LAMA provides any malpractice protection. Many hospitals have a release form for patients to read and sign prior to leaving hospital against medical advice. The Full form of LAMA is Leave Against Medical Advice. LAMA , also called discharge against medical advice (DAMA), is an act whereby a patient takes his discharge contrary to the recommendation or will of the attending physician or hospital. The issue concerns hospital management, staff as well as the third party where applicable and the patient. The staff, especially doctors and nurses, having certified the ethical considerations and professional obligations, may be faced with issues ... The healthcare facility and treating physicians are not liable for any consequences resulting from my decision.
