Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
An IMCA is an independent safeguard to support vulnerable people who lack the capacity to make an important decision and have no-one with whom it is appropriate to consult regarding the decision.
When does a person need an IMCA?
The Mental Capacity Act (2005) outlines a duty to instruct and consult an IMCA when making a decision for a person who lacks capacity regarding the following decisions:
- Serious Medical Treatment
- Long Term Accommodation moves
The Act also gives powers to instruct an IMCA in cases of:
- Care Reviews
- Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults (regardless of whether family or friends are involved)
What will the IMCA do?
- Where possible find out the person’s wishes, feelings, values and beliefs
- Represent the person’s best interests
- Independently support the person through the decision-making process
- Safeguard the rights and entitlements of the person set out in the MCA, ensuring that the guiding principles and the best interest checklist are being followed
- Where necessary, access copies of the person’s Health and Social Care records
- Where appropriate, challenge the decision on behalf of a person
- Where necessary, seek a second medical opinion
- Submit a report on their findings
Our IMCAs work on a referral basis.
For more info about our IMCA service please contact us