What is the term for the act of leaving a patient without proper care or supervision?

The term for leaving a patient without proper care or supervision is abandonment. This occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a nurse or certified nursing assistant, ends their professional relationship with a patient without making appropriate arrangements for care, which can include failure to provide adequate supervision. Abandonment can pose serious risks to a patient's well-being, as they may be left in a vulnerable state without necessary support or assistance. This is especially critical in medical settings, where continuous care is essential.

Neglect, while related, specifically refers to the failure to provide necessary care when it is available. Whereas neglect can involve poor care practices or lack of attention while still maintaining a relationship with the patient, abandonment entails a complete departure from any caring relationship. Isolation typically refers to the practice of separating a patient from others, often for reasons of infection control or behavioral management, but does not specifically address the lack of care. Withdrawal may imply a reduction in care but does not convey the same legal or ethical implications as abandonment.