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
Research papers published by the Ad Hoc Joint Committee to Consider the Mental Capacity Bill
Dec 2017 Psychiatric Bulletin Article on MCA (NI) 2016 by Drs G Lynch, C Taggart and P Campbell
Dec 2017 Psychiatric Bulletin Article on Mental Health Law across the UK by Dr T Zigmond
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
Mental Illness, Human Rights and the Law Brendan D. Kelly
No Longer ‘anomalous, Confusing And Unjust’: The MCA (NI) 2016