When physicians fire patients: avoiding patient "abandonment" lawsuits

While patients have the unfettered ability to fire their physicians at any time, physicians can end their relationships with patients only after giving them reasonable notice and an opportunity to find another physician. Physicians who fail to take these steps may expose themselves to lawsuits for the tort of "patient abandonment." This article examines what circumstances may lead to a cause of action for the tort of"patient abandonment" under Oklahoma law. In addition, this article discusses the American Medical Association's (AMA) guidelines on terminating the physician-patient relationship and recommended practices by legal scholars.