Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (LPS)

We are currently waiting for a date for the new Liberty Protection Safeguards to be implemented and this outline will be changed in accordance with the new law.

Aims

A one day training session designed to enable participants to gain a greater understanding of the basics of the Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

Target Group

Staff of all grades as considered appropriate.

Links to

• Care Certificate: Standard 9

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course participants should be able to:

• Identify what is meant by mental capacity and lack of capacity
• Outline the five core principles of the Mental Capacity Act and apply them in practice
• Demonstrate the use of the two stage test and the assessment of capacity, and how to record this appropriately
• Identify who can be a decision maker and how this applies in practice
• Describe the best interest decision making process and how this is recorded
• Identify the process for making an advance decision
• Describe the role of a power of attorney
• Identify when to use the IMCA service (Independent Mental Capacity Advocate)
• Explain the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and the ‘acid test’
• Explain when and how to apply for an authorisation under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
• Increase awareness of what information should be provided on applications and what should be brought to the supervisory body's attention
• Identify the proposed changes from DoLS to the Liberty Protection Safeguards

Training Methods

The day will be run in a participative way, using delegates’ existing knowledge as a platform. Training methods will include paired work, small group work, quizzes, case studies, and a limited amount of lecturing.