Implications of the Sell Decision for Treatment Administration

Despite the large number of incompetent defendants referred for restoration, the published literature on the process of competency restoration and the efficacy of specific interventions remains limited (Noffsinger, 2001; Pinals, 2005). The present manuscript reviews the existing literature, identifies critical components of treatment programs, summarizes the research supporting use of specific interventions, and highlights key ethical concerns/controversies. The manuscript focuses on the implications of the 2003 Sell decision for the process of competency restoration treatment. The means and resources available to forensic clinicians to help them address the Sell criteria in treatment planning, report writing, and testimony are discussed.