Patient Privileges and Confidentiality

Question 1

When does a client have a right to refusal of medical services?

Answer 1

A client always has the right to refuse treatment, and this is not considered suicide.

Any patient receiving any kind of care, except in very rare circumstances, has the right to refuse. State and federal laws, though there has been argument about the topic over the years, generally support the patient’s right to self-determination in this way.

Whether or not a doctor approves of this decision is immaterial.