Written from a multi-disciplinary perspective, this practical, how-to handbook provides easily accessible information, case studies, examples from case law and internationally relevant discussions on ethical issues to help clinicians and other professionals to assess mental capacity in key decisions (both commonly occurring and more specialist and complex). Chapters are written by a variety of different professionals with extensive experience in the assessment of mental capacity. The book provides hands-on coverage of mental capacity law (concentrating on England and Wales) and also considers the best interests process and Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS). It is the perfect companion to help busy professionals understand both the basics of capacity assessments and a variety of complex concepts relating to mental capacity. This website goes hand-in-hand with the book and provides downloadable resources and links to useful references. 

The checklist was developed as part of a research study, during the first lockdown due to Covid-19, to help professionals who are doing remote assessments of mental capacity to consent to care or treatment arrangements as part of a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisation application. The research showed that professionals undertaking these assessments found it useful and it was also recommended for face-to-face assessments.