The Mental Capacity Act requirements when an individual lacks the mental capacity to consent to treatment and care

This document is part of a series of brief guides to help all health and social care professionals navigate through and apply the principles of the Mental Capacity Act for decisions regarding treatment and care. It sets out alternative decision-making approaches in the event that a person does not have mental capacity to give consent to a proposed treatment. It looks at the role of advance decisions to refuse treatment, lasting powers of attorney for health and welfare and discusses situations where the Court of Protection may need to be involved. The guide also covers advance care plans, independent mental capacity advocates, and best interest decisions.