If you work with adults who may lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, you know how challenging and complex it can be to apply the law and protect their rights and wishes.
You may also know how important it is to keep your knowledge and skills up to date in this area, as the law and guidance change over time.
That’s why you may be interested in the Mental Capacity Toolkit, a free online resource that provides practical and accessible information and education on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and its implications for health and social care practice.
National Mental Capacity Act Competency Framework (MCA)
The MCA is a legal framework that sets out how to assess capacity and make decisions in the best interests of people aged 16 or over who cannot make decisions themselves. It also enables people to plan ahead for a time when they may lose capacity, by making Advance Decisions to Refuse Treatment or appointing someone to act on their behalf. The MCA aims to empower and protect people who may lack capacity, and to ensure that any decisions made for them respect their rights, dignity and preferences. However, applying the MCA in practice can be difficult, especially when there is uncertainty, disagreement or risk involved. That’s why health and social care professionals need to follow certain principles and processes when using the MCA.
