What is the competency test? Who can determine competency? A 79-year-old male with coronary artery disease, hypertension, non-insulin-dependent mellitus, moderate dementia, and chronic renal insufficiency is admitted after a fall evaluation. He is widowed and lives in an assisted living facility.
He’s accompanied by his niece, is alert, and oriented to person.
His labs are notable for potassium of 6. See full list on the-hospitalist. Hospitalists are familiar with the doctrine of informed consent—describing a disease, treatment options, associated risks and benefits, potential for complications, and alternatives, including no treatment. Not only must the patient be informe and the decision free from any coercion, but the patient also must have capacity to make the decision.
Hospitalists often care for patients in whom decision-making capacity comes into question. This includes populations with depression, psychosis, deme. It is important to differentiate capacity from competency.
Competency is a global assessment and a legal determination made by a judge in court.