A voluntary patient with capacity has the right to leave. Assess and document decision-making capacity, discuss the risks of leaving, develop an abbreviated discharge plan, and have the patient sign an AMA form.
This is the correct response. A voluntary patient with decision-making capacity has the legal and ethical right to leave the hospital, even if the PMHNP disagrees with the decision. The PMHNP should conduct and document a formal capacity assessment confirming the patient can understand their condition, appreciate the consequences of leaving, rationally weigh the risks and benefits, and express a consistent choice. The PMHNP should discuss the specific risks of leaving AMA, develop an abbreviated discharge plan including safety planning and outpatient follow-up, have the patient sign the AMA documentation, and prescribe medications and arrange follow-up to the extent possible.