Hoge S K, Gutheil T G, Kaplan E
Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01605.
Bull Am Acad Psychiatry Law. 1987;15(2):163-9.
Preliminary findings on the effects of the Massachusetts ruling in Rogers v. Commissioner, an important right to refuse treatment case, are compared with models in other jurisdictions. In sum, few cases are reviewed; in almost all reviewed, the court overrides the patients' refusal. The case raises troubling implications about due process and quality of care.