A Guide to the Mental Capacity Act 2005
E-learning course about The MCA 2005, who it covers and what the responsibilities are.
Overview
This course looks at the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and examines, amongst others, such topics as: what is the MCA and who does it cover; statutory procedures within the Act; decision making and how to decide what is in a person's best interests.
More detail
Course syllabus
Module 1: Course outline
- Setting the Scene
Introduces the course and explains the reasoning and meaning behind the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Values and Decision Making
Explores the values underpinning the Act, how to support people to make their own decisions, and how to maximise their involvement when they cannot decide independently.
- Two Stage Test Assessments
Covers using the two-stage test to assess capacity for a specific decision at a specific time, and what to consider when determining best interests—illustrated with dementia-related examples.
- Legal Protection
Outlines what carers and clinicians must do to be legally protected under the Act, and explains the roles of attorneys and the Court of Protection.
- Advance Decisions, IMCA and Research
Explains advance decisions to refuse treatment, the role of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service, and implications of the Act for research projects.
- Children and Young People
Describes how the Act applies to children and young people and highlights key differences between the MCA and the Mental Health Act (MHA).
- Protections, Disagreements & Accessing Information
Details safeguards for people who lack capacity, ways to resolve disagreements and disputes, and how access to information works within the Act.
Obtaining your certificate
You will need to pass a multiple-choice exam at the end of the course in order to gain your accreditation. Once passed, we will send your official certificate by email.