What action represents abandonment of a patient?

Abandonment of a patient occurs when a healthcare provider who has initiated care withdraws from that care without ensuring that an appropriate and equal level of care is transferred to another qualified provider.

In the context of this scenario, turning responsibility over to a first responder after beginning assessment can be considered abandonment if it is done without ensuring that the first responder has the training and capability to continue the care that the patient requires. When care is initiated, it is the duty of the provider to see it through to a reasonable conclusion, which usually includes ensuring that there is a seamless handoff to another qualified person. If this handoff is not properly done, the initial provider may leave the patient vulnerable and at risk, which constitutes abandonment.

The other scenarios described do not represent abandonment in the same way. Stopping CPR when the ALS team takes over is usually an appropriate action because ALS providers are trained to take over advanced life support responsibilities. Not transporting a patient who feels fine after a seizure with medical approval would typically not be considered abandonment, especially if the patient has given informed consent. Refusing to help administer prescribed nitroglycerin for someone else does not represent abandonment either, as the provider is not legally or ethically obligated to assist in that situation. Thus,