Mental Capacity Act Workshop

Learning Outcomes

The Mental Capacity Act (2005) came into force in April 2007 and clarifies the law under which decisions are made for those who lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves and establishes a substantial new infrastructure to control such decisions. The Act affects most organisations delivering health or social care in all settings (including primary care, general practice, community care, acute hospitals, residential and domiciliary care and mental health services). Failure to comply with the requirements of the Act exposes organisations to a serious risk of litigation or judicial review and individuals to both civil and criminal penalties. On completion of this workshop learners will gain knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework for mental capacity and deprivation of liberty safeguards and in doing so will help them safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable adults. Learners will be able to define mental capacity, understand the legislative framework of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, describe the five core principles of the Act, implications of the Mental Capacity Act within practice, the Code of Practice, the ethical principles to consider and integrating mental capacity into their practice.