If a voluntarily admitted client wants to leave AMA, which assessment is most important in deciding on release?

If a voluntarily admitted client wants to leave AMA, which assessment is most important in deciding on release?

• A. Mental status of client
• B. Reason that client wants to leave
• C. Response to medications
• D. Potential danger to self or others

Answer: (D)

Assessing whether someone poses a danger to self or others drives the decision about AMA discharge. Safety takes precedence: if there’s a real risk of self-harm, suicide, or harming others, the clinician may delay discharge or pursue continued treatment to protect the person and others. Mental status helps gauge current functioning, but it doesn’t by itself determine safety for leaving. Why the person wants to leave and how they respond to medications are informative for engagement and symptom control, yet they don’t directly address the immediate risk that would justify keeping someone under treatment. When risk to self or others is identified, it guides whether a discharge plan is safe or if ongoing supervision and treatment are necessary.