A generic letter from a doctor attesting to a patient’s mental capacity should be printed on the physician’s letterhead and include the following fundamental pieces of information:

• Patient’s name
• Patient’s date of birth
• Date the patient-physician relationship was established
• Physician’s statement testifying to the patient’s ability or inability to make independent decisions regarding healthcare, finances and legal matters
• The patient’s relevant medical diagnoses (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, mental illness, developmental delay, etc.)
• Date of diagnosis for each relevant medical issue
• Physician’s contact information

While the above pieces of information are typically included in a basic statement of mental capacity, it is wise to work with an attorney to determine if any other facts or supporting evidence should be included. File the original letter(s) of competency away with the corresponding legal documentation in a safe place, such as a locked file cabinet, a safe deposit box or with an attorney. It’s wise to have the physician keep a copy in the patient’s medical file as well.

Link to article

Why a Letter of Competency Should be Part of Every Senior’s Legal File

Stay Inspired,

Shonda