The Principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
We use The Principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
We pride ourselves on the depth of our assessments and use our knowledge and experience to adhere to the principles and key messages laid down in the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
The key messages within the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 are that the Act applies to everyone involved in the care, treatment and support of people aged 16 and over who live in England and Wales and who are unable to make all or some decisions for themselves. The MCA was designed to protect and restore power to those vulnerable people who lack capacity; this is really clearly set out in the principles of the Act which we overview in a minuet.
The most important key message from the MCA is that it gives responsibility to the professional assessing capacity work to ensure the best interests of the individual concerned is placed at the centre of any decisions or recommendations made.
The Act’s five statutory principles are the benchmark and must underpin all assessments carried out and decisions taken in relation to the Act.
1. We always assume a person has capacity unless it is proved otherwise
2. We take all practicable steps to enable people to make their own decisions
3. We never assume incapacity simply because someone makes an unwise decision
4. We always act, or decide, for a person without capacity in their best interests
5. We carefully consider actions to ensure the least restrictive option is taken.
A key message within the MCA is that it supports those who have capacity and who want to plan for their future.
Share this post: