Mental Capacity Act

Question 1

What is capacity?

Answer 1

Ability to make an informed decision

Question 2

What are the key features of consent?

Answer 2

Informed - appropriate level of info given
Competent - capacity
Voluntary - not coerced
Can be withdrawn at any time

Question 3

What are the principles of the MCA?

Answer 3

Presumption of capacity at all times
Right to make unwise decisions
Anything done on behalf of people should be least restrictive
Must be done in their best interests
Assessment should be time and decision specific

Question 4

When should lack of capacity be suspected?

Answer 4

Cognitive impairment
Abnormal behaviour
Refusing treatment
Delirium

Question 5

How is capacity tested?

Answer 5

Can patient

• understand information
• retain information
• use/weight it up
• communicate decision

Question 6

What ages does the MCA apply to?

Answer 6

Over 16s

Question 7

What is an IMCA?

Answer 7

Independent mental capacity advocate

Question 8

What is the role of an IMCA?

Answer 8

Act in the best interest of someone who lacks capacity but has no one to speak on their behalf

Question 9

What is DoLS?

Answer 9

Deprivation of liberty safeguard

Question 10

What is the role of DoLS?

Answer 10

Ensure those in carehomes/hospitals who lack capacity are treated in a way which does not restrict their freedom