Key Roles and Stages of Assessments in Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

Understanding Key Roles in the Assessment Process

Before delving into assessment stages, it's crucial to grasp the roles involved:

• Mental Health Assessor: Conducts assessments, must be section 12 approved or a registered medical practitioner with 3 years of relevant experience.
• Best Interests Assessor: Determines if DoL is occurring or necessary to prevent harm, must be an approved mental health professional (e.g., social worker, nurse) with 2 years post-registration experience.
• Eligibility Assessor: Evaluates eligibility criteria, can be a Mental Health Assessor or a Best Interests Assessor who is also an approved mental health professional.
• Supervisory Body: Makes final decisions on assessments, appoints the relevant person's representative, and ensures impartiality.

Stages of Assessment in Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

Stage One Assessment

Stage one evaluates the following factors:

• Age: Ensures the person is 18 or older; those under 18 are protected under the Safeguarding of Children.
• Mental Capacity: Determines if the person lacks capacity to consent to care or treatment arrangements.
• No Refusal Assessment: Checks for advanced decisions that could conflict with proposed authorisation.
• Eligibility Assessment: Determines if the person meets criteria for detention under the Mental Health Act, which would make them ineligible for standard authorisation.

Stage Two Assessment

Stage two focuses on:

• Mental Health Assessment: Conducted by a Mental Health Assessor to evaluate mental health status.
• Mental Capacity Assessments: Continues to assess the person's capacity regarding specific decisions.
• Eligibility Assessment: Further evaluation to ensure the person meets necessary criteria.
• Best Interests Assessment: Reviews care plans, seeks opinions of involved parties, and supports the person's involvement in decision-making.