Is it considered patient abandonment if a nurse is the sole provider of care of the patient, and no other care provider is available to relieve the nurse?

There are some unique circumstances about which at may be considered patient abandonment.

An example is a registered nurse with a private practice or a contract to provide care to a patient who does not arrange for another qualified care provider to continue the care, may be considered patient abandonment.

A complaint should be reported to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) for possible disciplinary action.

Conduct that is not actionable by the WABON is most appropriately addressed by the employer, consistent with employment laws, rules, and policies.