The Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) provide protection for vulnerable people who are accommodated in hospitals or care homes in circumstances that amount to a deprivation of their liberty and who lack the capacity to consent to the care or treatment they need.
In 19 March 2014, the Supreme Court published its judgment in the case of P v Cheshire West and Chester Council and P and Q v Surrey County Council.
This judgment clarified the test and definition for Deprivation of Liberty for adults who lack capacity to make decisions about whether to be accommodated in care. This means that a much greater number of service users and patients will now be subject to a deprivation of liberty and will come under the protection of the DOLS procedure.
Information for providers
Action needs to be taken immediately by providers, details of which can be found in the briefing sent out on 21 March 2014.
To make an application for DOLS assessment, download and complete DOLS form one. Please send the form to the email address below.
