Termination of the physician-patient relationship.

A: Abandonment of a patient may result in civil liability for the physician. Abandonment is usually defined as "the unilateral severance of the professional relationship without reasonable notice at a time when there is still the necessity of continuing medical attention." 1 Proof of actionable abandonment requires a showing that the physician failed to provide "an adequate medical attendant" and also failed to give adequate notice. Finally, as in any negligence action, the plaintiff must prove that this breach of duty was the cause of his or her injuries or damages.