What is the purpose of the Mental Capacity Act?

The Mental Capacity Act is primarily designed to protect and support individuals who may lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves. This is crucial in ensuring that vulnerable populations are treated fairly and have their rights respected. The Act establishes a framework for assessing mental capacity and making decisions on behalf of those who are unable to do so themselves, emphasizing that these decisions should be made in the individual's best interests.

This legislation allows for interventions in a person's life while ensuring that their autonomy is taken into consideration. It promotes the idea that everyone should be supported to make their own decisions wherever possible and sets out clear guidelines on how decisions should be made when individuals cannot make them due to various conditions affecting their mental capacity.

The other options, while relevant to different aspects of care and regulation, do not accurately reflect the specific aim of the Mental Capacity Act, which centers on safeguarding and providing support for those lacking mental capacity.