The Mental Capacity Act 2005 is a new Act of Parliament which came into full effect on 1st October 2007.
The Act has been brought in to help those people who need to make decisions about their health and welfare, and protect those who may lack the mental capacity to make particular decisions at particular periods of their lives for themselves.
The Act incorporates a Code of Practice which informs all paid and voluntary staff working in the field of health and social care with guidance to ensure they work within the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act. Families, friends and other carers will also benefit from the advice provided in the Code about how to treat people who do not have mental capacity.
More information in the Act is included in the following sections:
What is the Mental Capacity Act?
Further information booklets and guidance
Frequently asked questions