Determination of Competency for High-Gravity Life-Death Decision-Making

This article provides context by reviewing background literature, current terminology, definitions, and evaluation models, as well as legislation regarding competence determination for choosing physician-assisted suicide and medical assistance in dying in general. A review of relevant current research is presented, with suggestions for future research and practice advances to fill the gap of much needed elucidation of this intensely debated topic. Finally, we note considerations for the development of a forensic assessment fram ework to assist professionals who may find themselves in the position of having to assess an individual’s competence in relation to this high-gravity decision-making process. Our conclusions are limited by current available evidence and observations, which may lack scientific precision of methods for determination of decisional capacity, and have limited validity, reliability, or fairness, thus increasing the potential for bias and abuse of vulnerable persons.
Source: Psychological Injury and Law - Category: Medical Law Source Type: research