Legal Question in Elder Law in Massachusetts
Can an elderly patient at a rehab facility sign themself out of the facilty if the patient feels that the rehab therapy is no longer beneficial to them without any repercussions from the facility even though the facility has threatned to report the family to elder abuse services?
Asked on 9/26/11, 12:46 pm
2 Answers from Attorneys
Alexandra Golden
Golden Law Center
If the patient is legally competent, she has the right to sign herself out at any time. What repercussions may occur are impossible to predict.
Answered on 9/26/11, 12:50 pm
Any competent patient can sign themselves out of rehab. The repercussions are impossible to predict.
The facility will require the patient to sign a release or they could challenge their competency.
Answered on 9/26/11, 1:19 pm