Progress Notes //

This was assessed during the medical interview. Capacity to make one's own medical decisions is based upon a patient's ability to understand the decision that is being made, the possible options, the risks and benefits of those options, demonstrate understanding of this information and the ability to apply it to themselves, and ultimately the ability to communicate a decision. Capacity is dynamic over time, and the threshold for capacity is different dependent on the specific decision and its risks and benefits. Given our conversation, the patient at this time does appear to have the ability to communicate a preference to leave the hospital rather than stay and have medical workup_. The patient does understand the benefits of their decision, which include personal autonomy and the ability to seek care elsewhere, as well as the risks, which include delay in medical workup and possible worsening of symptoms. Given their ability to reason through this decision, and the risk of leaving the hospital _, the patient does appear to have capacity at this time_. Therefore, we will respect the patient's autonomy to make their own decisions, which at this time is expressed as a desire for discharge.



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