Mental Capacity Act and DoLS for Health and Social Care Online (E-learning)
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Support Decision-Making While Protecting Individual Rights
This online course explains the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) for people working in health and social care. It helps care workers, nurses, managers and safeguarding leads balance duty of care with individual rights.
Learners look at the statutory principles, how capacity is assessed, best interest decisions and how DoLS authorisation works, alongside CQC expectations for record-keeping and accountability.
Who Is This Course For?
- Care workers and support workers
- Nurses
- Health and social care managers
- Safeguarding leads
- Other health and social care professionals
Delivery Method
Online e-learning, self-paced, on desktop or mobile. The course includes about 4 hours of video. Video lessons are supported by PDF, PowerPoint and infographic learning materials. Learners have lifetime access on desktop and mobile.
What the Course Covers
- The MCA and DoLS – the purpose and framework of the Act, balancing duty of care with individual rights and when assessments or DoLS may be needed
- Statutory principles – principles including the presumption of capacity, the right to make unwise decisions and the least restrictive option
- Assessing capacity – when an assessment is needed, the two-stage test, decision- and time-specific assessment, fluctuating capacity and documentation
- Best interest decisions – best interest principles, consulting others, checklists, working with families and record-keeping
- DoLS and human rights – the DoLS framework, spotting restrictive practices, the Acid Test, authorisation and reporting
- Governance and accountability – professional roles, regulatory expectations, monitoring, review and accountability
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Explain the purpose of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how it protects autonomy
- Apply principles such as the presumption of capacity and the least restrictive option
- Describe the two-stage capacity test and how to record assessments
- Explain how best interest decisions are made and documented
- Recognise restrictive practices and outline how DoLS authorisation works
Assessment and Certification
The course ends with a final assessment. Learners who pass it receive a Certificate in Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Practice, which can be used as CPD evidence and for organisational compliance records. The course carries 4 CPD points.
FAQ
What is the difference between the MCA and DoLS?
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 sets the framework for decisions where someone may lack capacity, while the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards cover authorisation where care arrangements restrict a person's liberty. The course covers both.
Who should take MCA and DoLS training?
Health and social care professionals, including care workers, nurses, support workers, managers and safeguarding leads.
Does the course cover capacity assessments?
Yes. It covers when an assessment is needed, the two-stage test, decision- and time-specific assessment, fluctuating capacity and documentation.
How long is the course?
About 4 hours including learning content and assessment, studied at your own pace on desktop or mobile.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. After the final assessment, learners receive a Certificate in Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Practice, with 4 CPD points.
Related Content
On completion, learners receive a digital certificate from TrainifyHUB with a unique verification code. Any CPD points for the course are shown in the course description
All you need to complete our e-learning courses is a computer, tablet or smartphone and an internet connection.
E-learning is flexible, efficient, and cost-effective, meaning you can progress through the modules at your own pace, at your own time to fit the training in around your work and personal life.
Short online courses also help employers to demonstrate that they have fulfilled their legal duties to ensure their personnel have been adequately trained.
Once the courses have been completed, a confirmation of results can be saved or printed as evidence. This can then be kept on record as evidence of suitable training.
You will instantly receive a confirmation email with your order details and your course login details will follow within one business working day.
Please note that course bookings can not be processed outside of normal working hours, over weekends or on bank holidays and will be processed the next business working day.
TrainifyHUB is a London-based online training provider and the trading name of SL Brothers Ltd. Its self-paced courses cover health and social care, construction site safety awareness, compliance and workplace skills.
Envico is working in association with TrainifyHUB and is not accredited by or associated with any examination bodies, awarding bodies, institutions or organisations in any way whatsoever.