Consent, advance statements and euthanasia

Journal/Book: Curr Opin Psychiatry. 1996; 9: 2-6 Boundary Row, London, England SE1 8NH. Rapid Science Publishers. 344-347.

Abstract: The problem of consent in psychiatry and related fields has been the subject of much recent debate. In most European countries, mental health legislation is presently under review. Issues surrounding capacity to consent, advance statements and euthanasia are the subjects of the present review. Although these issues are not wholly or even predominantly in the field of mental health, developments in these areas greatly inform the debate surrounding mental incapacity and the overriding of patient consent within mental health practice. Particular attention is drawn to the Law Commission's report and proposed new Bill on mental incapacity in the UK. An important issue highlighted within the debate surrounding capacity is assessment of competence. Assessment procedures need refining and updating and better quality control is needed on decisions of incompetency.

Note: Article RJ Mcclelland, Queens Univ Belfast, Dept Mental Hlth, Belfast BT9 7BL, Antrim, North Ireland

Keyword(s): CARE

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