Providing clarity for professionals on Deprivation of Liberty
The Law Society has published a practical guide on the law on deprivation of liberty for lawyers and health and social care professionals.
People who are unable to make decisions about their care or treatment are protected under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 by the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. The Law Society's new practical guide aims to assist health and social care professionals as well as lawyers to identify when the care or treatment of someone amounts to a deprivation of their liberty, so that the authorisation process required by the Safeguards is triggered.
Law Society president Andrew Caplen said: "When someone is living with dementia or a learning disability, it is important that the care and treatment they receive is in their best interests. Sometimes that means providing treatment to which they are unable to consent.
"The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards are there to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our health and care systems. It is essential that any restrictions on their day to day lives are demonstrably proportionate and in their best interests. This new practical guide aims to help health and social care professionals as well as lawyers understand the law and to implement it more effectively."
The guidance covers the legal framework relevant to deprivation of liberty in a wide range of specific care settings:
