Back

StatPearls, LLC

  • Negotiating
  • Patient Transfer

Terminating the Therapeutic Relationship

Terminating the therapeutic relationship between a healthcare professional and a patient involves critical ethical and legal considerations. Abrupt or unilateral termination of this relationship, without appropriate steps, can be classified as abandonment, which can place the patient at risk and result in legal liability for the provider. This topic explores the essential ethical and legal obligations related to ending the therapeutic relationship, offering insight into alternatives to termination and outlining best practices for a respectful and compliant termination process. The discussion covers key elements of termination and identifies situations that may require conflict resolution, standardized practices, and consultation with medical boards or legal counsel to minimize potential ethical and legal issues. Participants in this educational activity gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and legal frameworks governing the termination of the therapeutic relationship. They learn to identify when and how to engage in conflict resolution, implement standardized termination practices, and seek appropriate guidance from regulatory and legal entities. The course emphasizes the importance of interprofessional collaboration in this context, highlighting how working with a diverse healthcare team enhances patient outcomes by ensuring a coordinated and ethically sound approach to care transitions. Through this collaboration, clinicians are better equipped to navigate complex situations, uphold ethical standards, and mitigate risks associated with the termination of care.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

IPCE CreditsUp to 1.5 creditsAAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 creditsSocial WorkUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABOHNS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 10 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left