What is it?
The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) provide legal protection for vulnerable people in hospital or a care home, whether placed under public or private arrangements. They are part of the Mental Capacity Act.
The MCA DOLS apply to anyone:
- aged 18 and over.
- who suffers from a mental disorder or disability of the mind - such as dementia or a profound learning disability.
- who lacks the capacity to consent to the arrangements made for their care or treatment.
- for whom receiving care or treatment in circumstances that amount to a deprivation of liberty may be necessary to protect them from harm.
You can find out more about DOLS in the useful guides below.
Useful guides
If you are a professional organisation looking for information on this subject, please go to the council information section of this site.