The Mental Capacity Act 2005 is a very important piece of legislation because it makes a real difference to the lives of people who may lack mental capacity. The law will allow patients to make their own decision; it will also protect incapable people by offering them a flexible framework that places the individual at the very heart of the decision-making process. it will ensure that incapable patients participate as much as possible in any decisions made on their behalf and that these are made in their best interests. It also allows people to plan in advance for a future period when they may not have the ability, for various reasons, to make decisions for themselves. The law covers a wide range of decisions and circumstances; the law is underpinned by practical guidance and the Code of Practice which provides information on how the law works in practice. (http://www.direct.gov.uk 2007) The Act was created to help and support people who may lack capacity and to discourage anyone involved in caring for someone who lacks capacity. ...