9

Conclusion

Best interest decisions

The purpose of the MCA and its Code of practice (2007) is to promote:

  • Person-centred care
  • Protect the rights of individuals
  • Ensure the right decisions are made

Where a person lacks mental capacity to consent to care and treatment and there are no other legal provisions for decisions to be made on their behalf, decisions regarding care and treatment must be made under Best Interests principles and follow the process for Best Interests, to lead to decisions about care and treatment which are based on the needs, wishes and choices of the individual person, not the desired outcome of professionals, the routine or standards of the service or any targets or limitations of the organisation.