Introduction to the Mental Capacity Act 2005

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (‘MCA 2005’) provides a framework in England & Wales for deciding, for most purposes, whether a person over 16 has or lacks capacity to make a decision, including to consent to medical treatment.  It also provides a framework for making decisions where a person does not have that capacity, based on the concept of best interests.   

This website contains detailed, research-based, guidance about how to assess and determine capacity.   It is aimed at professionals such as doctors and social workers.  If you do not need this level of detail, but want on your own or someone else’s behalf to know more about the concept of capacity, you may want to have a look at the following resources: 


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