Assessing Competency

Question 1

Competent Patient =

Answer 1

right to make informed decisions to refuse tx including life saving tx

Question 2

Patient is NOT competent if =

Answer 2

1. appears unable to understand the information
2. unable to understand the consequences of their decisions.
3. unable to remember the information
4. has attempted suicide
5. has expressed serious thoughts of attempting suicide.

Question 3

If Pt is not competent tx may be provided against the pt will if:

Answer 3

1. AO’s believe tx is in the pt’s best interest
2. AO’s believe the risks associated with provididing tx are less than the risks of not providing tx
3. The tx is not contradicting a valid advance directive