Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016
The Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 has been broadly welcomed by the College, particularly its principles-based approach which emphasises respect for autonomy and non-discrimination.
There are two legal strands dealing with treatment without consent – common law and mental health law. Anyone with a physical disorder has a right to refuse unless they lack decision-making capacity - in which case a best interests principle applies. Those with a mental disorder can be treated against their wishes and this is a profound difference in the principles governing the treatment of physical and mental disorders.
For further details, email northernireland@rcpsych.ac.uk
Further information
- Morning presentations and afternoon presentations taken from MCA (NI) 2016 Spring Meeting – 22 March 2018 – Waterfront Hall
- Law Society of NI "The Writ" Issue 228 at pages 19-20 for Article by C Gillespie BL on Vulnerability, including reference to MCA (NI ) 2016
- The Elder Journal - A brave new (fused) world? The draft Northern Irish Mental Capacity Bill - Dr Catherine Taggart