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Behavioral Science

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Medical Ethics and Legal Issues 183<br />

Is it acceptable for a physician to<br />

establish a romantic relationship<br />

with a patient or former<br />

patient?<br />

What is competence?<br />

Who is considered legally competent?<br />

Who is an emancipated minor?<br />

Can a person be competent in some<br />

areas and not others?<br />

Can a physician deem a patient<br />

incompetent?<br />

If a patient is ruled incompetent, how<br />

does the patient become competent<br />

again?<br />

No—it’s not acceptable under any<br />

circumstances.<br />

Competence is the ability to evaluate<br />

situations and make sound judgments<br />

that are:<br />

• Consistent throughout time<br />

• Consistent with the patient’s belief<br />

system (unless the belief system is<br />

delusional)<br />

All adults >18 years of age and<br />

emancipated minors—including<br />

adults with mental illness or mental<br />

retardation—unless declared<br />

incompetent by a court of law<br />

Someone

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