Course Overview

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Act) provides the legal framework for professionals in health and social care working with people who may be unable to take decisions for themselves in respect of their care and treatment.

This course is aimed at all health and social care professionals who work with adults to enable them to gain an in-depth exploration and robust understanding of the Act and integrate the theory and process into everyday practice.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course delegates will be able to:

• Outline the key purpose and ethos of the Act.
• Explain how the five core principles relate to day-to-day practice.
• Apply the key elements of the test for capacity in line with case law to complex case studies.
• Analyse the concept of best interests and explore the best interests checklist in light of case law developments.
• Examine the continuum from routine decisions for care and treatment protected by Section 5 of the Act, through to interventions that involve restriction and restraint through to interventions that go beyond mere restriction to potentially a deprivation of liberty and link to care management.
• Examine the duties and role of an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate.
• Outline the role of the Lasting Power of Attorney and the Court Appointed Deputy.
• Examine the role of the Court of Protection in recent case law developments.