A Clinician's Brief Guide to the Mental Capacity Act

This easy-to-read book guides clinicians through the parts of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 that they need to understand and use in their daily practice. This act now gives clinicians the authority to provide medical care and treatment to people (over 16 years) who lack the capacity to consent for themselves. It covers how to assess whether a person lacks capacity; the range, scope and limitations, of the various authorities to treat, including determining 'best-interest', advance decisions and lasting power of attorney; the range of safeguards, the Court of Protection and Independent Mental Health Advocates. It includes the Deprivation of Liberty amendments from 2007 and relevant aspects of the Human Rights Act 1998, the Mental Health Act (including all recent amendments) and illustrative case law. Whilst it should be of particular interest to clinicians in England or Wales, it will aid understanding for everyone who helps care for people who cannot make decisions for themselves or who wishes to make legal provision for their own future care.