Putting the provisions of the MCA into practice

A selection of resources to support implementation of the MCA.

The Department of Constitutional Affairs MCA site

A collection of documents and information relating to the Act and its implementation (NB: this site is now archived and the information on it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice).

Visit the MCA site

Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Making decisions: A guide for people who work in health and social care

This booklet covers

  • the concept of mental capacity
  • the principles of the MCA
  • assessing capacity
  • best interests
  • the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate Service
  • providing care or treatment to people who lack capacity.

Download this booklet

Mental Capacity Act in Practice: Guidance for End of Life Care

Following NCPC’s earlier publication “Guidance on the Mental Capacity Act 2005”, this guidance is principally written for professionals and organisations providing palliative care services.

It is also intended to help patients, care home residents, informal carers, family members and people who want to understand how they can influence their future care.

Find this publication on the NCPC website

Cost: £10.00

MCA Resource on SCIE website

This site begins with introductory knowledge and key messages about the MCA, and builds up through stages, with links to guidance targeted at specific audiences, such as health and social care professions and independent mental capacity advocates (IMCAs).

Visit the SCIE’s MCA resource

Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) Resource on SCIE website

This site provides information about (and for) IMCAs.

Visit the SCIE’s IMCA resource

Best Interests at End of Life: Practical Guidance for Best Interests Decision Making and Care Planning at End of Life

This guidance published by East Lancashire TPCT and Central Lancashire PCT is intended to assist those supporting people who lack capacity to make their own decisions

Download this publication

Mental Capacity Act Proforma

An example of a document designed to ensure that any significant and specific decisions made on behalf of a patient who lacks capacity comply with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and are recorded appropriately.

Download the Mental Capacity Act Proforma from the Help the Hospices website


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