SCAS CGPs

Question 1

Mental Capacity Act Flowchart

Answer 1

Is an assessment required?

Yes

Functional test
- does the patient understand the information relevant to the decision?
- can the patient retain the information long enough to make a decision?
- can the patient weigh, or use the information to come to a decision?
- can the patient communicate a decision?

No

Diagnostic test
- does the person have an impairment of, or disturbance in the functioning of, the mind or brain?

Yes

Causative nexus
- is the inability of the patient to make a decision directly linked to the impairment/disturbance identified?

Yes

The patient lacks capacity
Next:
- document the assessment, with any evidence
- Where impairment is temporary, consider if it is safe to defer the decision
- undertake an assessment of best interests in relation to the decision