The Mental Capacity Act 2005: a new framework for healthcare decision making

Abstract

The Mental Capacity Act received Royal Assent on 7 April 2005, and it will be implemented in 2007. The Act defines when someone lacks capacity and it supports people with limited decision-making ability to make as many decisions as possible for themselves. The Act lays down rules for substitute decision making. Someone taking decisions on behalf of the person lacking capacity must act in the best interests of the person concerned and choose the options least restrictive of his or her rights and freedoms. Decision making will be allowed without any formal procedure unless specific provisions apply, such as a written advance decision, lasting powers of attorney or a decision by the court of protection.

Kurzdarstellung

“…Vorausverfügungen sind Entscheidungen über eine Behandlung, die von einer Person im Vorhinein für den Fall getroffen werden, dass sie irgendwann in der Zukunft nicht in der Lage sein wird, sich direkt an medizinischen Entscheidungsfindungen zu beteiligen [986]. Verfügun-gen sollen regelmäßig überprüft werden, um sicherzustellen, dass sie den aktuellen Willen des Patienten ausdrücken und dass die Umstände akkurat berücksichtigt werden [980,987,988].…”

A taboo in healthcare; life support decisions at the terminal stage

“…İngiltere ve Galler'de, Zihinsel Kapasite Kanunu 2005'e göre hastalar, gelişmiş sağlık direktifi yazarak vekil tayin edebilmektedir [26]. İngiltere'de kişiler, zihinsel kapasitelerine göre, tedaviyi kabul veya ret edebilir [27].…”

Implementing legislative changes on young people's consent to treatment: a guide for trainers

“…When might capacity not be present? Johnston & Liddle (2007) point out that the statutory definition of those who lack capacity (Box 6) does not necessarily help the clinician very much. In the opinion of Church & Watts (2007), clinicians should assess and diagnose any impairment or disturbance in mental functioning before assessing capacity, but this may be difficult practically in many on-call situations.…”