[FireBeyond]

Potentially. However, depending on the nature of the interaction, abandonment is equally a concern for a provider. If I'm treating or begin care of a hypoglycemic patient (and I'm not saying that in this case, such a thing has happened), then legally, I can be found guilty of abandonment if I don't transfer care to a higher level provider or conclude the course of treatment or intervention planned. I can't just say "I can't do anything for you, you're on your own."

[s1artibartfast]

I think we are saying the same thing. There is a line that triggers obligation and liability. If the location is abigious or the liability is extremely high, then there is incentive to error on the side of avoidance.

This might mean not taking a patient or class of patients into care.

[FireBeyond]

THat's fair.

One other point to note, in general) is that depending on your provider type, avoidance may not be an option. On duty EMS cannot "avoid" a patient encounter, likewise with emergency medicine (though I'm honestly not sure whether immediate/urgent care is considered there, too).