What are the standards for assessing decision-making capacity? The standards for assessing decision-making capacity are somewhat subjective. However, the patient can generally be considered to possess decision-making capacity if: The patient makes and communicates a choice regarding medical treatment/course of action. The patient appreciates the following information regarding medical care: - medical diagnosis and prognosis - nature of the recommended care - alternative courses of care - risks, benefits, and consequences of each alternative. The patient makes decisions that are consistent with his/her values and goals.
The decision is not the result of delusions. The patient uses logical reasoning to make a decision. Who decides whether a patient has decision-making capacity? In medicine, the attending physician is often the one who determines whether a patient is able to make…
