If someone cannot make decisions for themselves there is a legal framework in place to check this. This legal framework is called the Mental Capacity Act (2005).
If you are supporting someone who cannot make decisions, we strongly advise you to contact the screening service before taking part. The service can discuss any individual needs and give you advice on the documents you must provide.
If the person cannot make the decision to take part in screening for themselves, the decision can only be made on their behalf if:
If the person cannot make the decision to take part in screening for themselves, we will not be able to screen them without a lasting power of attorney for health and welfare or a ‘best interests’ decision being reached and recorded.
Lasting power of attorney (LPA) for health and welfare
If you have a lasting power of attorney for health and welfare for the person you care for and they have been offered a screening appointment, you must bring the LPA document to their appointment. You will also need to bring your photographic identification, such as a valid passport or photo driving license.
You may have been issued with an activation key which links to your lasting power of attorney account. However, we cannot guarantee that WiFi is available in all screening clinics. If you cannot share the LPA document with us, you may need to rebook the appointment as we may not be able to screen the person without this.
If you have any questions about supporting someone who cannot make the decision to take part in screening for themselves, it is important that you contact the screening programme before taking part. You can visit the ‘Contact Us’ pages on the screening programmes websites
For more information about the Mental Capacity Act, visit Social Care Wales.