I was on the board of a state-operated malpractice carrier for about 15 years. To my knowledge, we NEVER told anyone to hang on to a patient who was threatening or non-compliant. We did suggest they do it right if they wanted out, give the patient ample opportunity to find a new physician, provide full interim coverage, etc. but there is nothing in the physician/patient contract that implies the physician, regardless of specialty, has sold themselves into eternal bondage by accepting a patient.
