The issue of using substitute consent to obtain treatment for patients who are not competent to consent to treatment is complex. The authors present a case which illustrates that patients may delay treatment for extended periods of time by repeatedly challenging their incompetency status. The authors present proposals to change the present system.
References
1.
Mental Health Act. Government of Ontario. Revised July, 1987.
2.
ManchandaR., FernandoM.L.D., GalbraithM.D.Consent to treat: clinical and legal implications.Can J Psychiatry1989; 34(1): 60–62.