In re J.M.

KOBLITZ, P.J.Ch.

This case is distinctive in its facts, but similar to other emergent medical situations where the Chancery Court must make an immediate life or death decision regarding whether or not to limit an individual’s right of self-determination. The analysis here is useful in providing one example of a path through the competing concerns which inform these decisions. In a situation where the hospital’s own psychiatrists disagreed as to J.M.’s1 mental capacity, The Valley Hospital ^‘petitioner” or “hospital”) sought the appointment of a special medical guardian to consent to…