What is the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015?
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act (2015) (PDF) is about supporting decision-making and maximising a person’s capacity to make decisions. This Act applies to everyone and is relevant to all health and social care services.
This new Act will assist in complying with human-rights obligations contained in the Constitution of Ireland, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Learn more about the Act
We have a number of resources with more information about the Act:
A short explainer video on the Act
A short presentation on the Act
Frequently Asked Questions on the Act
Other resources, including e-learning programmes
Latest News and Upcoming Events
Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and HSE National Consent Policy 2022
Learning Needs Survey
The HSE National Office for Human Rights and Equality Policy , Strategy and Research, has developed a short survey to gain a better understanding of the learning needs of HSE staff to support the implementation of the 2015 Act and the HSE National Consent Policy 2022.
Please go to https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Learning_Needs_Survey_2023/ to complete the survey. The closing date for this survey is Monday 17th April 2023.
E-learning programme
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015: Guidance for Healthcare Workers e-learning programme was launched on HSELanD on 7th March 2023. This e-learning programme includes 3 modules:
- Module 1: Guiding Principles
- Module 2: Working with Decision Supporters appointed under the 2015 Act
- Module 3: Advance Healthcare Directives
Search "Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 – Guidance for Healthcare Workers" on www.hseland.ie to enroll in the course
Upcoming Webinars
We will be hosting a webinar in March to support staff in advance of commencement:
'Getting ready for Advance Healthcare Directives under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015' on Wednesday 29th March 2023 at 5:30-7pm
This webinar will give an overview of Advance Healthcare Directives, with focus on some practical, legal, mental health service and personal considerations along with information about the Decision Support Service Codes of Practice relating to Advance Healthcare Directives.
We are pleased to invite you to attend the webinar on 'Getting ready for Advance Healthcare Directives under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015' on Wednesday 29th March 2023 at 5:30-7pm
To register for the event: Please follow the link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nQeR59i_RNC_3ZBnbGggvQ
This webinar will be recorded and will be available to view on our website www.assisteddecisionmaking.ie after the event.
Update on Commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, and Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, announced on Friday the 24th February 2023 that the 26th of April 2023 will be set as the day for the abolition of wardship, the operationalisation of the Decision Support Service, and the introduction of a new system of tiered decision-making supports.
Please see related press release
Update from the Decision Support Service
The Decision Support Service have developed a short video for families explaining the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
Wardship
When the Act fully commences the Ward of Court System for Adults will be abolished. In the interim a HSE guidance document was developed to provide a clear and consistent approach on steps required before an application for wardship of an adult is considered by the HSE.
The Office of the Wards of Court has information on their website in relation to their plans for commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
About this webpage
This webpage is from the HSE National Office for Human Rights and Equality Policy Team. It aims to present information and resources relevant to the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 to help healthcare workers implement the Act in their work.
If you want to join our mailing list, please contact adm@hse.ie
