Phrases › At the Hospital › Voglio tornare a casa. Posso firmare per le dimissioni volontarie?

B2formal

Voglio tornare a casa. Posso firmare per le dimissioni volontarie?

I want to go home. Can I sign for voluntary discharge?

Pronunciation

di-mis-SYO-ni vo-lon-TA-rye — 'dimissioni' = discharge. 'Volontarie' = voluntary.

When to use it

If you want to leave hospital against medical advice. You have the legal right to do so — but understand the risks first.

What it means

'Dimissioni volontarie' = voluntary discharge / discharge against medical advice (AMA). Under Italian Law 219/2017, competent adult patients can refuse treatment and leave. You sign a 'modulo di dimissione volontaria' (voluntary discharge form) acknowledging the risks. The doctor is obligated to inform you of the risks but cannot legally detain you.

Variations

Non voglio continuare questo trattamento.

I do not want to continue this treatment.

Right to refuse treatment — protected under Italian constitutional law (Art. 32)

Quali sono i rischi se me ne vado ora?

What are the risks if I leave now?

Always ask before signing — make an informed decision

Cosa succede se mi dimetto contro il parere del medico?

What happens if I discharge myself against medical advice?

The hospital documents it but cannot stop you — SSN still covers future readmission

Mini Dialogue

— Voglio tornare a casa. Posso firmare per le dimissioni volontarie? — Capisco il suo desiderio. Ma vuole sentire prima i rischi? — Sì, ma ho già deciso. — Rischia una ricaduta seria. Ma è una scelta sua. Firmi qui. — Grazie. Capisco i rischi. — Le do le prescrizioni per continuare le cure a casa e il numero per eventuali problemi.

— I want to go home. Can I sign for voluntary discharge? — I understand your wish. But would you like to hear the risks first? — Yes, but I have already decided. — You risk a serious relapse. But it is your choice. Sign here. — Thank you. I understand the risks. — I will give you prescriptions to continue treatment at home and a number for any problems.

Cultural Note

Italian Law 219/2017 definitively established that competent adults can refuse all medical treatments, including life-sustaining ones, and can leave hospital at any time by signing 'dimissioni volontarie'. This marked a significant shift in Italian medical ethics from paternalism toward autonomy. The same law legalised 'DAT' (advance directives) — allowing patients to document treatment preferences for future incapacity.

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