Ethics in Geriatric Forensic Assessment
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2018
Journal
Geriatric Forensic Psychiatry
Inclusive Pages
237-343
DOI
10.1093/med/9780199374656.003.0028
Abstract
Forensic psychiatry with geriatric evaluees operates, like general forensic work, at the interface of psychiatry and the law. Psychiatrists apply unique clinical skills to legal questions, so that classic ethics dilemmas arise from the tensions between differing professions. Should psychiatric or legal ethics apply? What ethical issues are most common? When general clinical ethics are insufficient, forensic practitioners in geriatric settings apply broader frameworks for guiding their behavior. Organizational guidance and community and personal values all combine to alert psychiatrists to the unique requirements of elder assessment. Decision-making capacity, guardianship, and end-of-life decision-making join driving and voting to highlight the range of assessments to which experts must apply the habits and skills of the ethical practitioner. Recognizing scientific uncertainty, the vulnerability of evaluees, the need for collateral information, self-reflection, and balance of competing principles come together to define a robust vision of geriatric forensic ethics
APA Citation
Candilis, P. J., Leong, G., & Weinstock, R. E. (2018). Ethics in Geriatric Forensic Assessment. Geriatric Forensic Psychiatry, (). http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/med/9780199374656.003.0028