Understanding and using the Mental Capacity Act.

The Mental Capacity Act aims to safeguard patients who lack mental capacity to make decisions about their treatment or care, and gives legal protection to the health professionals who care for them. It must be adhered to whenever there is doubt about a patient's mental capacity and a decision is required about their care or treatment. All health professionals working in hospitals and care homes should understand when and how the act should be used and feel confident doing so. This article explains the main points of the act, and when and how to use it.