Mental Capacity and the Mental Health Act Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering the legal framework of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 1983, and definitions related to patient rights and medical ethics.

Capacity

The ability or power that people have to understand things and take actions in their everyday lives.

Mental Capacity Act of $2005$

A law applying to adults over the age of $16$ that empowers them to make decisions for themselves while protecting others when capacity is lacking.

Best Interests

A core principle of the Mental Capacity Act $2005$ stating that any act or decision made for someone lacking capacity must be right for them.

Lasting power of attorney

A legal document that lets a donor appoint one or more attorneys to help make decisions or make decisions on their behalf.

Advance decisions

Legally recognized choices where an individual can refuse a specific type of medical treatment.

Deprivation of Liberty

A situation where a person is not free to leave and is under continuous supervision and control, only allowed in specific situations.

Liberty Protection Standards (LPS)

Provisions for people over $16$ who lack mental capacity to consent to care arrangements that require the deprivation of their liberty.

AMCP

Approved Mental Capacity Profession; a role that provides additional protection by considering cases where a person does not wish to reside or receive treatment.

Appropriate person

A family member or close contact willing to represent or support a patient through the Liberty Protection Standards process.

Mental Health Act $1983$

A legal framework regulating the assessment and treatment of individuals with mental disorders and balancing their interests against public policy.

Section $2$

A component of the Mental Health Act allowing compulsory admission for assessment or treatment for up to $28$ days.

Section $3$

A component of the Mental Health Act allowing compulsory admission for long-term treatment, initially for up to $6$ months.

AMHP

Approved Mental Health Professional; an individual authorized to make applications for hospital admission under the Mental Health Act.

Section $12$ Doctor

A doctor specifically approved under the Mental Health Act whose recommendation is required for compulsory hospital admission.

Mental Health Tribunal

A legal forum where a patient has the right to appeal their detention under Section $2$ or Section $3$.

Covert Administration

The act of disguising medicine in food or drink to administer it to a patient who lacks capacity and actively refuses medication.