Mental Capacity Act 2005 Overview

This page will contain links to useful resources on the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Government bodies

The following state bodies are responsible for implementing the Act. The links are to the relevant sections of their websites.

Ministry of Justice (Mental Capacity page)

Department of Health (Mental Capacity Act 2005 page)

Welsh Assembly Govermnent (Mental Capacity Act page)

Public Guardianship Office

Summaries of the Act

Explanatory Notes to Mental Capacity Act (OPSI)

Summary of the Act (DCA)

Easy-read summary (DCA)

Code of Practice

"The Code of Practice for the Mental Capacity Act was formally issued by the Lord Chancellor on 23 April 2007. It provides guidance and information on how the Act will work on a day to day basis for anyone who works with or cares for people who lack capacity, including family, friends and unpaid carers. Once the Mental Capacity Act comes into force, certain groups of people will be legally required to have regard to the Code when acting or making decisions on behalf of people who lack capacity." (DCA quotation)