What is fluctuating capacity?
Fluctuating capacity is when a person’s ability to make a specific decision varies over time. This is usually due to a health condition that disturbs…
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Court of Protection
DoLS in focus: The role of the Managing Authority (MA)
Under DoLS, the Managing Authority (MA) is the nursing/care home or hospital providing (or going to provide) care and treatment for the relevant person. The responsibilities of the MA are outlined within the Code of Practice for DoLS (2008) and expanded on through Court of Protection (CoP) case law.
These documents require that the Managing Authority carry out its responsibilities with due care and diligence, with appropriate consultation. All decisions and actions taken should be fully documented as part of professional best practice.
The rule 1.2 representative process explained
In Mental Capacity law, a rule 1.2 representative (or ‘1.2 rep’) performs a similar role to a Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR), but in a community setting.
The process for assigning a 1.2 rep is slightly different to that of an RPR. This is because community DoLS authorisations are authorised through the Court of Protection, and not by the Local Authority DoLS office, as is the case in hospital and care home settings. And so a 1.2 rep will be identified and allocated through this process by those applying and agreed by the Court.
What is a rule 1.2 representative?
A rule 1.2 representative is required when a Community Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) order is put in place. If the individual does not have an appropriate close friend or relative who is independent of their care and treatment to act as their rule 1.2 representative, then an independent advocate or paid representative may be required.
When should an RPR make a section 21a application to the Court of Protection?
The role of a Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) is to be an independent and impartial voice working on behalf of the relevant person under a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisation. They are there to support inclusion, knowledge, rights and promote the person’s voice within the DoLS process, performing a vital safeguarding role to help monitor its application. As part of this role, an RPR should raise a Section 21a challenge to the Court of Protection if the person they are representing voices an objection to DoLS.
Important updates to Form COP3 ‘assessment of capacity’
As of July 2023 there is now a new updated COP3 form (‘assessment of capacity’ for Court of Protection Submissions) available on the UK Government website. We have a growing range of blogs around this topic and area able to provide completition of Part B on referral. For a walkthrough guide of the updated document, please visit.
Understanding the difference between LPA and Deputy
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a trusted person (or persons) assigned to make decisions on behalf of someone who lacks capacity to make decisions for themselves. Crucially, LPAs are assigned by an individual while they still have capacity, as a means of preserving their wishes should they become unable to make decisions for themselves at some point in the future.
Mental Capacity still not well understood
There are several key organisations that exist to protect people’s rights with regards to the Mental Capacity Act and its application. These include the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and Court of Protection (COP). However, while each of these bodies has an important role to play, we should remember that it is every person’s responsibility to raise a concern if a suspected breach of the Act has taken place.
Updates to the property and affairs deputyship process
From the 1st January 2023, there will be a new process for applications surrounding the Court of Protection property and affairs deputyship.
COP3 Mental Capacity Assessments for Deputyship
If someone is unable to demonstrate mental capacity to assign a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), and is unable to manage either their health and welfare or property and financial affairs, then an application can be made to the Court of Protection (COP) to assign a deputy to said role if appropriate.