What should a security officer do if a patient refuses treatment?

When a patient refuses treatment, it is crucial for the security officer to document the situation and inform medical personnel. This is important for several reasons. First, patient autonomy is a fundamental principle in healthcare; individuals have the legal right to refuse treatment. When a patient makes this decision, it is vital that healthcare professionals are made aware so they can assess the implications of that refusal, including any potential risks to the patient’s health or safety.

Informing medical personnel allows for a proper assessment of the situation and ensures that the healthcare team can offer alternatives, discuss the potential consequences of refusing treatment, and ensure the patient is making an informed choice. Documentation serves as a formal record of the patient's decision and the events that transpired, which can be important for legal and medical review purposes.

The other options lack consideration for the patient's rights and the legal and ethical framework governing healthcare. Ignoring the refusal fails to address the situation appropriately, while forcing treatment violates patient autonomy and can have serious legal repercussions. Consulting law enforcement would be unnecessary unless there is an indication of violence or criminal activity related to the refusal, which is not typically the case in standard healthcare settings.