This document discusses informed refusal of care in emergency medical services. It emphasizes the importance of determining a patient's capacity to refuse care through a thorough cognitive assessment. A robust refusal process involves obtaining vital signs, assessing cognition using a tool like the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination, addressing the patient's reasons for refusing care, making multiple offers of transport, and thoroughly documenting all aspects of the assessment and refusal. Proper determination of capacity and a well-executed refusal can help mitigate legal liability if the patient later experiences an adverse outcome.