Best Interests Guidance - British Psycholological Society

Guidance on determining the best interests of
adults who lack the capacity to make a decision
(or decisions) for themselves (Jan 2008)



This guidance has been written in order to give additional information and support to people who may
have to participate in making decisions on behalf of adults who lack the capacity to do so for themselves.
This includes staff working in health or social care (such as doctors, nurses, dentists, psychologists,
therapists, social workers, residential and care home managers, care staff, support workers) and carers,
families and advocates.

The legal framework for making best interests decisions is defined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and
further policy guidance is to be found in the Code of Practice to the Mental Capacity Act. This guidance
aims to add further to the Code of Practice by looking in more detail at the types of factors that might
need to be considered in making a best interests decision, and in considering the process of best interests
decision-making.

To download a copy of the document follow the link below:

Click HERE to download a copy