Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA), also known as Leaving Against Medical Advice ( LAMA ), is a complex intersection of medical ethics, patient autonomy, and legal responsibility. 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. LAMA stands for left against medical advice again, which means a patient leaves the hospital without the doctor's consent or advice. Learn about the implications, risks and legal aspects of LAMA and other terms such as DAMA and DOPR. 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 ...
