Statement form for advance decision to refuse treatment (A5). An advance decision allows a person over the age of 18 to refuse a specific treatment in the future when they lack the capacity to consent to, or refuse, that treatment.

Key information on lasting power of attorney, including how it may come into effect, who makes decisions about capacity, who can be an attorney and how to register a lasting power of attorney.

Explains what an advance decision is and when it is applicable.

This flowchart describes the Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) process, intended for application in in-patient settings.

Findings of a research project to better understand the knowledge and experience GPs have of advance decisions. Five themes emerged from this study and include: GPs had significant gaps in knowledge about advance decisions and how they can benefit people; GPs imposed a financial barrier by charging for appointments to discuss advance decisions; GPs felt that conversations about death, dying and planning for the end of life would be too upsetting or difficult; GPs had negative preconceptions about refusing treatment; and GPs had practical concerns about the ease and process of supporting a person to make an advance decision.

This toolkit supports healthcare professionals’ understanding of advance decisions. It looks at: the legal framework for advance decisions and explains healthcare professionals’ obligations when caring for someone who lacks capacity; what an advance decision is and the criteria one needs to meet; how to support someone to make an advance decision; what steps should be followed if a person lacks capacity and has an advance decision; challenges that healthcare professionals may face when acting on an advance decision and offers practical guidance to help overcome them; and the relationship between advance decisions and lasting power of attorney for health and welfare. It consolidates guidance from the Mental Capacity Act, General Medical Council and British Medical Association.

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.

Describes what an advance statement is, and contains an A5 form patients can use to write down their preferred treatments and strategies for care should they have a mental health crisis.

Guidance relating to advance decisions to refuse treatment (ADRTs) and the Mental Health Act 1983.

Key information on advance decision to refuse treatment, including the role of doctors, how to ensure an advance decision is valid and the effect of it if you lose your capacity temporarily.

Describes what an advance statement is, and contains an A4 form patients can use to write down their preferred treatments and strategies for care should they have a mental health crisis.

Explains what lasting power of attorney (LPA) is and how it can be used.