competency evaluation
A formal assessment to determine a patient's mental capacity to make specific decisions about their medical treatment or legal matters.
Full Definition
A competency evaluation is a comprehensive psychiatric assessment designed to determine whether an individual has the mental capacity to make informed decisions about specific matters, most commonly medical treatment, legal proceedings, or financial affairs. The evaluation assesses cognitive abilities, understanding of relevant information, appreciation of consequences, and reasoning ability. In psychiatric settings, competency evaluations are often requested when patients refuse treatment, appear to lack understanding of their condition, or face legal proceedings. The assessment must be specific to the decision at hand and may result in findings of competent, incompetent, or fluctuating capacity.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the type of decision-making capacity being evaluated; competency is decision-specific.
In Context
- "The competency evaluation concluded that the patient lacked capacity to refuse lifesaving medication." — Forensic psychiatry report
- "A competency evaluation was ordered after the patient demonstrated poor understanding of surgical risks." — Medical consultation request