Causative Nexus

Two women interviewing / assessing a person wearing a checked yellow shirt.

Importance of the Causative Nexus

22 December 202513 December 2025
Mental Capacity in Practice

The Causative Nexus is an important part of the Diagnostic Step for Mental Capacity. In its simplest of forms, it can be described as the ‘link’ between the Functional Step of the two-stage test, and whether the Diagnosis is the origin for this outcome. Another way to consider the causative nexus, is as the ‘because’ or justification for why a diagnosis may be the causation for a person being unable to demonstrate decision making within the functional stage of the assessment.

Case study: The diagnostic step and the causative nexus

12 June 20235 June 2023
Case Study, Mental Capacity in Practice

The diagnostic step is a simple but often misunderstood part of the Mental Capacity Assessment. One of the most common errors is to simply list a medical diagnosis without any explanation of how the diagnosis impacts upon decision-making. However, this link – also known as the causative nexus – is the vital point on which the rest of the assessment is based. It is therefore important to understand exactly why the diagnostic step is important and how to document it properly.

Gas cooker with pots and pans on the hob

Understanding the causative nexus

30 January 202331 January 2023
Mental Capacity in Practice

The causative nexus is an essential part of any mental capacity assessment as it provides a clear rationale for whether the person being assessed has capacity to make a specific decision.

Lady with emotional disabilities using pet therapy

What can affect Mental Capacity?

16 January 202329 December 2022
Mental Capacity in Practice

Mental Capacity can be impacted by an impairment or disturbance of the brain that directly affects cognitive functioning. In today’s blog we look at a selection of short-term and long-term conditions that can be a direct factor.

Quality of care: grandmother and grandaughter smiling together

Mental Capacity Test or Assessment – what is the difference?

12 September 202210 February 2023
Comment, Mental Capacity in Practice

There are several terms that are used to describe the process of determining a person’s mental capacity. Is it a Mental Capacity Test, or a Mental Capacity Assessment? In this blog, we explore some of the language around the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and how it applies in practice.