DoLS: Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard

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Allows short-term withdrawal of liberty from people that are a danger to themselves. It is an amendment to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 when these safeguards were introduced in England and Wales. They ensure that people who can’t consent to their own care arrangements in a care home or hospital are protected, if those arrangements deprive them of their liberty. Authorisation is given by a local authority and is subject to an independent assessment that the arrangements are necessary and in the person’s best interests. 

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