Capacity

Rob Orman – ER Cast Newsletter

I feel that the patient has decision-making capacity. [He/She] demonstrates ability to understand the current situation and is able to communicate a choice for what [he/she] wants to do. [He/She] expresses understanding of benefits, risks, and alternatives and is able to make logical and rational choices, even though they are not in line with my recommended medical direction. There is no evidence of intoxication or altered mentation which would preclude normal cognitive function.