Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jn8rn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T02:33:43.237Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Making decisions for the mentally incapacitated adult

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 March 2001

Nicola Glover-Thomas
Affiliation:
University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

Abstract

Introduction

This paper considers the approach to decision-making on behalf of mentally incapacitated adults. It updates and revises the 1996 article Ethical Aspects of the Law Commission Report on Mental Incapacity in this journal. The Law Commission Report No. 231, Mental Incapacity, issued in February 1995, was the final outcome of a lengthy and wide-ranging process of consultation. This process resulted in four consultation papers over a period of four years. The Government did not support the Law Commission’s draft bill on mental incapacity and a further consultation period was initiated (Who Decides? Making Decisions on Behalf of Mentally Incapacitated Adults, Cm. 3803). This process culminated in October 1999 when the Lord Chancellor’s Office issued its report, Making Decisions (Cm. 4465). This policy statement sets out the Government’s proposals to improve the decision-making process for those who are incapable of making decisions for themselves or who cannot communicate their decisions.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2000

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)