The only person in the hospital who can send you home is your primary care physician (PCP), the doctor whose name appears on your armband (or his partner). Though specialists and hospital staff can recommend or approve your discharge, only your PCP can order it. Therefore, he is the person you should ask about discharge.
You should know that you are not a prisoner in the hospital, and you are free to refuse any treatment or leave at any time. However, you may be asked to sign a form that states you are leaving against medical advice (AMA). Beware that if you leave AMA, your insurance company may refuse to pay your bill. Also, your health may be at risk if treatments aren’t completed.
Once discharge is ordered, your nurse will bring you a form with your doctor’s instructions and explain them to you. You may need to limit your activities for awhile or change your diet or medication regimen. If no further orders are pending and your ride has arrived, she will remove your IV and send you to your car in a wheelchair. (Even if you can walk, hospitals prefer you leave by wheelchair.) You will have a list of instructions and a phone number to call should you have any other questions.