AAPL Practice Guideline for the Forensic Assessment.

This document is intended as a review of legal and psychiatric factors to offer practical guidance in the performance of forensic evaluations. It is a guideline developed through the participation of forensic psychiatrists who routinely conduct a variety of forensic assessments and who have expertise in conducting these evaluations in a variety of practice settings. The developmental process incorporated a thorough review that integrated feedback and revisions into the final draft. The final version was reviewed and approved by the Council of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law on October 26, 2014. Thus, the Guideline reflects a consensus among members and experts about the principles and practices applicable to the conduct of forensic assessments. However, it should not be construed as dictating the standard for forensic evaluations. While it is intended to inform practice, it does not present all currently acceptable ways of performing forensic evaluations, and following its recommendations does not lead to a guaranteed outcome. Differing facts, clinical factors, relevant statutes, administrative and case law, and the psychiatrist’s judgment determine how to proceed in any individual forensic assessment. The Guideline is for psychiatrists and other clinicians working in a forensic role who conduct evaluations and provide opinions in legal and regulatory matters. Any clinician who agrees to perform forensic assessments in any domain is expected to have the qualifications necessary to meet the professional standards in the relevant jurisdiction and to complete the evaluation at hand.