Psychological consultation under Oregon's 1994 Death With Dignity Act: Ethics and procedures

The Oregon 1994 Death With Dignity Act prescribes an evaluation by a psycho logist or psychiatrist when the patient is suspected to be suffering from i mpaired judgment. Several attempts have been made to propose procedures for assessing end-of-life mental conditions and competence. The psychologist's role may include ethical considerations, protecting patients' rights to au tonomy, ensuring competent judgment, preventing unnecessary suffering and i nappropriate diagnoses of mental disorders, and supporting family members a nd the health care team.