Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Fac Notes. 1998 Nov-Dec;10(6):11-2. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE AIDS/20700008
Dralle PW; LSU School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry.
Abstract: The issue of whether a specific patient is capable of making decisions regarding medical treatment is discussed. A psychiatrist deemed the patient incapable of making such decisions, however, an attending physician found the patient alert and agreed to honor a request for declining treatment and returning home. Such differences in diagnosis can be resolved by having the psychiatrist and the attending physician review the facts and obtain input from the family. If the patient is not capable of making decisions, a decision maker may be appointed. Hospitals have resources such as ethics committees and legal services that can also mediate conflict. Many other issues regarding patient competency are discussed.
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