Legal Aspects of Mental Capacity

Book excerpt: Highly Commended in Health and social care in the 2017 BMA Medical Book Awards The Mental Capacity Act (2005) regulates decision making processes on behalf of adults who are unable to give informed consent, due to a loss in mental capacity (be that from birth, or due to an illness or injury at some point in their lives). Since the Act’s original conception the new Court of Protection is now firmly established, and there have been significant Supreme Court cases, as well as further guidance on the 2005 Act and major developments in the use and assessment for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Thoroughly updated to take account of the many updates, developments and changes in legislation and guidance, the new edition of Dimond’s authoritative guide will be warmly welcome by practitioners and students who need to understand and work within the Mental Capacity Act, and how it applies to their professional responsibilities. A highly practical guide to the Mental Capacity Act and its provisions since its conception in 2005 Relevant for a wide range of practitioners and students within health and social care Highly readable and easily accessible, even for those with no legal background Includes a range of learning features, including scenarios, questions and answers, key summary points, and applications for practice. Legal Aspects of Mental Capacity is an essential resource for all healthcare and social services professionals, students patient services managers and carers working with those who lack the capacity to make their own decisions.