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Codes of Practice

13 codes of practice have been published by the Decision Support Service, providing guidance as to functions and responsibilities under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (as amended).

Broadly speaking, the 13 codes of practice can be broken down into three categories:

  • One is for anybody to use when they are involved with a relevant person, especially when the person must make an important decision:
    • Code of Practice for Supporting Decision-Making and Assessing Capacity (Download)
  • Five are for decision supporters:
    • Code of Practice for Attorneys (Download)
    • Code of Practice for Co-Decision Makers (Download)
    • Code of Practice for Decision-Making Assistants (Download)
    • Code of Practice for Decision-Making Representatives (Download)
    • Code of Practice for Designated Healthcare Representatives (Download)
  • Seven are for certain professionals and groups when they are working with a relevant person, especially when an important decision needs to be made.
    • Code of Practice for Financial Service Providers (Download)
    • Code of Practice for General Visitors (Download)
    • Code of Practice for Healthcare Professionals (Download)
    • Code of Practice for Independent Advocates (Download)
    • Code of Practice for Legal Practitioners (Download)
    • Code of Practice for Special Visitors (Download)
    • Code of Practice on Advance Healthcare Directives for Healthcare Professionals (Download)

Last Updated: 30 May 2023