Which legal term refers to an individual's capacity to make their own medical decisions?

The term that refers to an individual's capacity to make their own medical decisions is competency. Competency is a legal concept that determines whether an individual has the ability to understand the nature and consequences of a medical decision, including the benefits and risks associated with that decision. This concept is crucial in the healthcare setting, as it ensures that patients can make informed choices about their medical treatment.

In the context of emergency medical services, EMTs must assess a patient's competency to give informed consent before any treatment. If a patient is deemed competent, they have the right to accept or refuse medical interventions. This respects their autonomy and acknowledges their ability to participate actively in their healthcare.

The other terms, while related to medical decision-making, do not specifically address the individual's ability to make those decisions. Consent refers to the agreement or permission to proceed with a medical action, often following an evaluation of competency. Authority pertains to who has the legal power to make decisions, which may involve guardians or proxies when a patient is not competent. Agency relates to the ability of a person to act on behalf of someone else, typically in legal contexts, and does not specifically focus on an individual’s personal decision-making capacity.