Article Title

The Forgotten Evaluation: Taking Competence Seriously

Authors

Seth E. Tabb, MD, UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute
Scott A. West, MD, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OhioFollow

Abstract

The medical literature devotes little attention to the application of competency to the general medical patient. Commonly, the only cases recognized as necessitating a competency evaluation are overtly psychotic patients, patients requiring written informed consent, and those patients who refuse treatments strongly recommended by their physician. Clarifying terminology and redefining competency provides a practical screening method for assessing competency in all patients. When physicians neglect the evaluation of competency, patient autonomy is compromised. Not only are all physicians capable of performing a competency evaluation, they are ethically and professionally required to do so.

Recommended Citation

Tabb, MD, Seth E. and West, MD, Scott A. (1995) "The Forgotten Evaluation: Taking Competence Seriously," Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry: Vol. 12: Iss. 2, Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29046/JJP.012.2.005
Available at: https://jdc.jefferson.edu/jeffjpsychiatry/vol12/iss2/9