A Practical Guide to the Mental Capacity Act 2005

Written by experienced practitioners in the field, this authoritative yet highly pragmatic book guides readers from all backgrounds expertly through a major piece of health and social care law.

Starting from libertarian principles, Matt Graham and Jakki Cowley skilfully achieve their aim to demystify the MCA. They have made the statute, associated best practice guidance and case law easily accessible to those who need support navigating difficult and confusing decisions.

Using a no nonsense style, together with a useful range of authentic case and best practice examples, the authors have created a highly useable hand book for the work place. (Martin Vernon Consultant Geriatrician and Clinical Director of Community Services Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust)

The Mental Capacity Act is widely considered to be a positive piece of legislation but often ignored or misused because of low levels of awareness and understanding. This book will help to rectify that because it provides a clear, comprehensive and accurate description of the Act that is essential reading for anyone working with people who may lack capacity.

The authors understand the practical challenges of applying the law on a day to day basis because they both bring an enormous amount of experience of doing this themselves. By emphasising the positive benefits and principles of the Act the book should make a very valuable contribution to improving practice and ensuring the legal rights of people are properly respected and complied with. (Toby Williamson Head of Development & Later Life Mental Health Foundation)