Consent and capacity: a guide for district nurses.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005, which came into force in 2007, sought to provide a statutory framework to facilitate empowerment and provide protection to individuals who lack capacity. District nurses must be aware of the legislation regarding mental capacity (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2008) and understand how and when they may need to assess decision-making capacity. The article explores the legal and ethical issues surrounding consent, and seeks to inform district nurses as to the guidelines used in assessing a person's capacity to consent, along with best interests policy.