Psychological Consultation Under Oregon’s 1994 Death With Dignity Act: Ethics and Procedures

The 1994 Oregon Death With Dignity Act prescribes an evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist when the patient is suspected to be suffering from impaired judgment. Several attempts have been made to propose procedures for assessing end-of-life mental conditions & competence. The psychologist’s role may include ethical considerations, protecting patients’ rights to autonomy, ensuring competent judgment, preventing unnecessary suffering & inappropriate diagnoses of mental disorders. (37 refs.)