Until recently the legal principle that no adult can consent on behalf of another has caused significant problems for all health professionals with responsibilities for the welfare of those who lack capacity to make their own decisions. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a completely new system for addressing these issues. All NHS bodies are required to ensure that their staff have been trained and are able to comply with the new legislation and its associated Code of Practice. The training provides a detailed exploration of the relevant provisions supported by practical case studies drawn from everyday practice. Difficult and sensitive decisions will need to be made, and the principles and safeguards to that process will be looked at on the course.

• The Capacity Test
  
• Restraint and Deprivation
  
• Lasting Power of Attoney
  
• Best Interests
  
• Advance Decisions
  
• New Public Bodies: The Court of Protection and Public Guardian
  
• Independent Mental Capacity Advocates
  
• Criminal Offences
  
• Research