‘Firing’ a patient: May a psychiatrist unilaterally terminate care?

Mr. B. Concerning Mr. B, we wonder, “Why not just leave the chart open?” As is the case with care provided by other specialists—including internists, obstetricians, or dermatologists—psychiatric treatment may occur in discrete episodes over many years. Patients regard a previous care provider as “their doctor” for decades after a treatment episode, and it’s comforting and valuable for former patients to know they can see their “shrink” again if they need to.

Related Resource

• Henderson SM. Advice on abandonment. Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. www.okmedicalboard.org/download/19980401MD.htm.

Disclosure

The authors report no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.