Can a hospital deny a patient water?

Depends on the condition being treated. If someone were in heart failure, a doctor may order a limit on how much fluid can be given in a 24-hour period. This keeps fluid from accumulating in the lungs and from leaking into body tissues. Especially if a patient is receiving treatment to remove excess fluid from the body. In really bad cases, I’ve seen a 1 liter limit. Maybe others have seen less.

Another reason may be a bleed or damage in the digestive system, maybe a blockage. Preventing a patient from eating or drinking in this case could help prevent a worse problem.

There is usually a good reason. It is better be sure that the reason isn’t medical and life-preserving before getting upset or drinking out of the bathroom tap.

/r/legaladvice Thread