Define competency and explain why competency is an ethics issue in healthcare.

We are reminded that competence is a legal term. But the determination that the patient has the capacity to consent for treatment is usually made by a physician and may involve the consultation with a psychiatrist. Keep in mind that finding a patient to be incompetent is depriving the patient of his or her right to autonomy.

Define competency and explain why competency is an ethics issue in healthcare. You may relate personal experiences with this issue.