Refusal or Withdrawal of Care for a Patient Exhibiting Aggressive or Violent Behaviour Policy
MP 0174/21 - Refusal or Withdrawal of Care for a Patient Exhibiting Aggressive or Violent Behaviour Policy (pdf 116KB)
Applicable to: This policy is applicable to Health Service Providers providing treatment or care to patients.
Description: The purpose of the Refusal or Withdrawal of Care for a Patient Exhibiting Aggressive or Violent Behaviour Policy (the policy) is to outline the circumstances in which senior registered health professionals may refuse or withdraw care to patients who pose a threat to staff members. A decision to refuse or withdraw care is to be exercised by a senior registered health professional as an option of last resort when all other available and reasonable measures have been exhausted. The senior registered health professional must escalate their decision to withdraw or refuse care to the executive on call. The decision to refuse or withdraw care is considered to be temporary until the patient ceases to pose a threat to staff members.
For the purposes of this policy, refusal or withdrawal of care is only applicable to patients aged 18 years and over.
Health service providers have a responsibility under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 to ensure that staff members have a safe work environment.
This policy is a mandatory requirement under the Work Health and Safety Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(c) of the Health Services Act 2016.
This policy should be read in conjunction with MP 0101/18 Clinical Care of People with Mental Health Problems Who May Be at Risk of Becoming Violent or Aggressive Policy and MP 0159/21 Workplace Aggression and Violence Policy.
Date of effect: 24 October 2022
Policy Framework
Work Health and Safety
Refusal-or-Withdrawal-of-Care-Procedure (pdf 136KB)