Tests of competency to consent to treatment
Abstract
The authors describe the various tests of competency to consent to treatment used today, which include the following: 1)evidencing a choice, 2)"reasonable" outcome of choice, 3)choice based on "rational" reasons, 4)ability to understand, and 5)actual understanding. They analyze the applicability of these tests to patients' decisions to accept or refuse psychiatric treatment and illustrate the problems of ap-lying these tests by citing clinical case examples. They find that the circumstances in which competency becomes an issue determine which elements of which tests are stressed and which are underplayed.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
