Mental Capacity Information

Mental Capacity Act

Patients who lack mental capacity to make decisions about their treatment have a legal right to an advocate in certain circumstances. When this arises in primary practice, GPs have a legal duty under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to refer for an independent mental capacity advocate (IMCA)."

IMCA for GPs

"The capacity assessment referral form developed by NEW Devon CCG with the support of Devon LMC can be given out by surgeries to anyone (social worker, solicitor or other professional) requesting a GP to complete a capacity assessment. The form is designed as an aid to GPs to ensure they have enough information about the request to decide whether they are the most appropriate person to complete the assessment. The form is not compulsory."

Devon and Torbay IMCA service

British Medical Association (BMA) Mental capacity toolkit

Mental Capacity Act code of practice

Mental Capacity Act toolkit and MCA assessment form

Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 questionnaire for General Practice and Out of Hours Services

NHS Choices - What is the Mental Capacity Act?

Social Care Institute for Excellence - Mental Capacity Act 2005 resources and services

Social Care Institute for Excellence - Mental Capacity assessment tools

Vulnerability, Mental Capacity and Self-Neglect