Legal Definitions - ambulatory

Ambulatory (adj.)

• 1. Able to walk or move around independently.

  In a medical or physical context, "ambulatory" describes someone who is able to walk or move around on their own, rather than being confined to a bed or wheelchair.

  • Example 1: Following a successful hip replacement surgery, the physical therapist encouraged the patient to become ambulatory within a few days to aid in their recovery process.

    Explanation: This illustrates that the patient was expected to regain the ability to walk independently, indicating progress in their physical rehabilitation.

  • Example 2: The emergency shelter was designed to accommodate individuals with varying mobility needs, including those who are fully ambulatory and those who require assistance or mobility devices.

    Explanation: Here, "ambulatory" refers to individuals who can walk without assistance, distinguishing them from those who might need wheelchairs or other aids.

• 2. Capable of being altered, revised, or revoked; not yet legally fixed or final.

  In a legal context, "ambulatory" refers to a legal document, right, or provision that is not yet final or binding and can still be changed, revoked, or modified. It implies that the document's terms are not set in stone until a specific event occurs, such as a signature, a death, or a final court order.

  • Example 1: Before it is officially signed by all parties, a draft commercial lease agreement is considered ambulatory, meaning either the landlord or the tenant can propose changes to its terms.

    Explanation: This shows that the agreement's content is not legally binding or final until the formal signing, allowing for revisions and negotiations.

  • Example 2: A revocable living trust is often described as ambulatory because the person who created it (the grantor) typically retains the right to amend, modify, or revoke its terms entirely during their lifetime.

    Explanation: This highlights that the trust's provisions can be altered by the grantor at any point before their death, making it flexible and not legally fixed until that event.

  • Example 3: A proposed regulation from a government agency remains ambulatory throughout the public comment period and review process, as its language can be modified based on feedback before final approval and implementation.

    Explanation: This demonstrates that the regulation's text is subject to change and is not legally enacted or finalized until the agency gives its final approval.