When would you complete a deprivation of liberty safeguards DoLS for a patient?
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Under the DoLS, a patient who is assessed as being deprived of their liberty must be given certain legal protections, including the right to have their case reviewed by a panel of independent experts.
The DoLS can only be used if a patient meets all of the following criteria:
– they are aged 18 or over
– they are receiving treatment in a hospital or other mental health setting
– they are assessed as being deprived of their liberty
– they lack the mental capacity to consent to their treatment
If a patient meets all of the above criteria, then a decision must be made about whether it is in their best interests to be deprived of their liberty. This decision must be made by a panel of independent experts, which includes a qualified mental health professional, a representative of the local authority, and a representative of the NHS trust.
If the panel decides that it is in the patient’s best interests to be deprived of their liberty, then the DoLS can be authorised. This means that the patient can be kept under close supervision and control, and their movements can be restricted.
The DoLS can only be used in limited circumstances and for a maximum of six months. After six months, the patient must be discharged from the DoLS or a new application must be made.