Practice guidance developed to help embed the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) throughout the commissioning process in adult social care. The guidance provides good practice principles which will allow for MCA compliant commissioning, benchmarking and quality assurance with providers. The MCA is built on five guiding principles to ensure a person centred approach to decision making. These principles provide a framework for social care commissioners when commissioning services for people who may be unable to make some, or all decisions, about their care. This guide provides a general overview of the MCA and commissioning MCA compliant services. It then provides a list of areas to question for: each of the five guiding principles of the MCA; Lasting Power of Attorney; Advance decisions to refuse treatment; Independent Mental Capacity Advocate; and for audit and governance. A suggested template for commissioning activity with an MCA focus is also included.

This report on the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and care planning provides guidance for both commissioners and provider of social care on how care and support plans can comply with the principles of the MCA.

The film looks at the five key principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), and how these can be applied to the care planning process.