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Mental capacity
At some point in our lives we are all likely to be affected by a lack of capacity to make decisions, either personally, or because someone close to us is unable to make decisions for themselves. Millions of people lose their ability to make decisions that affect their lives through illness, disability or injury, while some people are born with disabilities that affect their capacity to make decisions. Millions of people also have caring responsibilities for people who lack capacity.
Mental Capacity Act 2005
The Act came fully into force on 1 October 2007. It provides a much clearer legal framework for people who lack capacity and those caring for them by setting out key principles, procedures and safeguards.
Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service
Service that helps vulnerable people who are facing important decisions made by the NHS and Local Authorities about serious medical treatment and changes of residence.
The Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
The Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (formerly known as the Bournewood Safeguards) were introduced into the Mental Capacity Act 2005 through the Mental Health Act 2007 (which received Royal Assent in July 2007)
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