What is false imprisonment in healthcare?

False imprisonment in healthcare refers to the act of unnecessarily restricting a patient's freedom. This can occur when a patient is confined against their will, whether physically or through coercive means, without legal justification or consent. In a healthcare setting, this might involve situations where a patient is held in a facility or not allowed to leave, often due to mental health concerns or the perception of a risk to themselves or others. Such actions are considered a violation of patient rights and can lead to legal consequences for the healthcare provider.

Understanding false imprisonment is crucial for health care providers because respecting a patient’s autonomy and freedom is a fundamental principle in patient care. Ensuring that patients are informed and able to make choices about their treatment is essential, and any actions that undermine their freedom can lead to distrust and a breakdown in the patient-provider relationship.