Reference no: EM133831998

Question

Patients under the influence of alcohol or drugs may lack the capacity to make their own medical decisions. This can vary depending on the degree of intoxication, and if there is uncertainty about a patient's level of intoxication, the typical assessment of capacity can be performed.[5] Depending on the state, laws exist to allow for involuntary hospitalization of intoxicated patients at risk of self-harm, to balance beneficence and non-maleficence in a setting where autonomy has been compromised. The laws vary by state but generally allow for temporary involuntary hospitalization and treatment until the patient is no longer intoxicated, and any medical illnesses affecting capacity have resolved.[6] Psychiatric Patients Another unique patient population to consider is the psychiatric patient. Psychiatric patients' medical conditions often impede their capacity to refuse medical care. However, some research has shown that simply carrying the diagnosis of psychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia, does not preclude patients from having capacity.[7] This emphasizes the importance of always performing a full assessment of capacity for each psychiatric patient, regardless of their disease process. The approach to the psychiatric patient refusing medical care is relatively straightforward; however, actually assessing the patient may be.