PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Carolyn Johnston
AU  - Jane Liddle
TI  - The Mental Capacity Act 2005: a new framework for healthcare decision making
AID  - 10.1136/jme.2006.016972
DP  - 2007 Feb 01
TA  - Journal of Medical Ethics
PG  - 94--97
VI  - 33
IP  - 2
4099  - http://jme.bmj.com/content/33/2/94.short
4100  - http://jme.bmj.com/content/33/2/94.full
SO  - J Med Ethics2007 Feb 01; 33
AB  - The Mental Capacity Act received Royal Assent on 7 April 2005, and it will be implemented in 2007. The Act defines when someone lacks capacity and it supports people with limited decision-making ability to make as many decisions as possible for themselves. The Act lays down rules for substitute decision making. Someone taking decisions on behalf of the person lacking capacity must act in the best interests of the person concerned and choose the options least restrictive of his or her rights and freedoms. Decision making will be allowed without any formal procedure unless specific provisions apply, such as a written advance decision, lasting powers of attorney or a decision by the court of protection.