Course Summary
Welcome to Understanding Decision-Making Options, presented by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing.
This course provides an overview of the legal and practical aspects surrounding decision-making options for individuals with disabilities. It specifically focuses on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are more often placed under restrictive decision-making arrangements.
This course begins with a historical perspective to highlight the importance of advocating for individuals' rights to make their own decisions. We will then explore various decision-making options, including guardianship and supported decision-making, to provide you with a thorough understanding of their purposes and implications. Finally, we will cover best practices for evaluating decision-making capacity, providing you with guidance to conduct assessments that respect the individual's autonomy and serve their best interests.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Recall the historical events and injustices experienced by individuals with disabilities as they relate to self-determination.
- Identify key characteristics and differences between guardianship, supported decision-making, and other decision-making options.
- Apply best practices when asked to evaluate an individual's decision-making capacity.
Learning Audience
The learners for this training are physical health providers (e.g., Primary Care Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, etc.) and other professionals who support or serve individuals related to physical and medical health.
Course Duration
Content Contributors
- Jeff Newman
- Kelly May, MSW
- Eleanor Comfort, MD
