Unless detained under the mental health act you have a right to refuse treatment or self discharge

here is a link to the socument we give patients at work in a SA public hospital

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rc...wZfe_CJkO0HobA

If you know the specific hospital by law they should have an equivalent document available otherwise as sloane said there will be one for the state you are in. A hospital may request you sign a document stating you are discharging at own risk/refusing treatment to cover thier backs. Good luck to your friend