What it means
An intentional torttortA wrong act, or a failure to act, that harms another person and for which a court can make the wrongdoer pay.Full entry . In health care it can happen when a client is restrained without a valid order or reason, kept sedated to control behavior, or stopped from leaving when they are competent and have the right to go. Physical, chemical and verbal restraint can all count.
For the nurse
A competent adult may leave against medical adviceuh-GENST MED-ih-kul ad-VYSELeaving a hospital or refusing care when the health care team advises staying or continuing treatment.Full entry : explain the risks, notify the provider, ask them to sign the facility's form and document everything, but do not hold them back. Use restraints only as the law and policy allow, after less restrictive measures.
Related terms
restraint
Any device, drug or method used to limit a person's movement or behavior that they cannot easily remove or refuse.
assault
In law, a threat or act that makes a person afraid they are about to be touched in a harmful or unwanted way.
battery
In law, touching a person on purpose without their consent.
least restrictive intervention
The rule of choosing the measure that limits a client's freedom the least while still keeping everyone safe.
tort
A wrong act, or a failure to act, that harms another person and for which a court can make the wrongdoer pay.