The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) is designed to protect and empower people who may lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions about their care and treatment. It applies to people aged 16 and over.
It covers decisions about day-to-day things like what to wear or what to buy for the weekly shop, or serious life-changing decisions like whether to move into a care home or have major surgery.
The Act is underpinned by five key principles which are:
Principle 1: A presumption of capacity
Principle 2: Individuals being supported to make their own decisions
Principle 3: Unwise decisions
Principle 4: Best interests
Principle 5: Less restrictive option
Click here for the Mental Capacity Act 2005
Click here for information about the Mental Capacity Act from the NHS
Click here for information from the SCIE about the Mental Capacity Act
Click here for information from the CQC about the Mental Capacity Act