Capacity Assessments and / or authroise a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application
Can my GP undertake a Capacity Assessment and / or authorise a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application?
GPs are often asked to make Mental Capacity Assessments for patients. These assessments can be requested for a variety of different reasons. It is an essential part of a GPs role to perform capacity assessments which relate to decisions regarding medical investigations, treatment and care.
However, capacity assessments relating to overall welfare, finances and property are often more complex and sit outside of their expertise. Decisions such as whether someone’s house is sold or how their life savings are spent can depend on capacity assessments. It is therefore essential that adequate time and attention is dedicated to these assessments. It is also essential that those carrying out these assessments for legal purposes are highly trained and experienced in this area.
Due to the above and that these legal capacity assessments do not fall within the NHS duties of GPs, we are unable to undertake these capacity assessments at the Practice. However, there are other professionals who can perform mental capacity assessments including solicitors and psychiatrists.
Lasting Power of attorney (LPA) - This does not require a doctor to sign the form. In fact, they can be signed by a social worker or a solicitor, OR someone who has known the patient personally for at least two years but is independent.
Information on LPA can be found:
Lasting Power of Attorney and Deputyship - Information Now.
Forms can be found at:
Lasting power of attorney forms - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
More information on LPA and the process to complete can be found at:
Lasting power of attorney for people with dementia | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)
How do I make a Lasting power of attorney? | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)