Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and the Role of the Best Interest Assessor (BIA)

Module delivery dates

This module will next run with a 5-day study block in November 2013 (dates to be confirmed)

Why study with us?

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards is drawn from the PgD in Mental Health Practice (Higher Specialist Award in Social Work) which incorporates professional training for Best Interest Assessors and Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs). This module focuses on enabling candidates to demonstrate to a supervisory body that they have the required skills and experience to meet the Department of Health’s regulations regarding a Best Interest Assessor.

On completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate:

• Values and principles; capacity, consent, advanced directives, lasting power of attorney
• Communication and engaging people who lack capacity of decision-making
• Social impact of disability, illness and injury on individuals and families
• Respecting diversity and culturally capable practice
• Bournewood judgement, Human Rights, ECHR
• Roles and responsibilities of BIAs, IMCAs, other professionals and agencies within the MCA (2005)
• DOLS assessment frameworks, the Six Assessments, person-centred planning, Care Programme Approach and Single Assessment Process
• Relevant legislation, codes of practice, statutory instruments including: Mental Capacity Act (2005), Mental Health Act (2007), Community Care Act (1990), Care Standards Act (2000)
• National and local policies, guidance and procedures, and resources relevant to the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and BIA functions
• Roles of courts, tribunals and regulatory bodies relating to DOLS
• Record keeping
• Research relevant to BIA role

What can this course lead to?

Module SWAM7005 can be drawn into the MA/PgD/C Mental Health Practice (AMHP training) programme by Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

Resources and facilities We are amongst the UK’s leading health and wellbeing faculties and are proud of the high level of support we are able to offer to our students. We provide a wide range of high-quality courses supported by expert academic and clinical practice staff. If you join us you will enjoy great facilities and learn alongside caring, committed and experienced professionals. Entry requirements

Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.

More information about levels and credits.

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 20 credits Selection criteria

Training candidates must be employed as one of the following:

• A social worker registered with the GSCC
• A first-level nurse, registered in Sub-Part 1 of the Nurses’ Part of the Register maintained under article 5 of the Nursing & Midwifery Order 2001
• An occupational therapist registered in Part 6 of the register maintained under article 5 of the Health Professions Order 2001
• A chartered psychologist, who is listed in the British Psychological Society’s Register of Chartered Psychologists and who holds a relevant practising certificate issued by that society
• Candidates must not be suspended from the register or list relevant to the person’s profession.
• Candidates must have at least two years of post-registration experience in that profession and have:
• Endorsement from their employer in support of their application
• Professional competences verified by their line manager/work-based practice assessor.

UCAS Link

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Modules

SWAM7005 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and the role of the Best Interest Assessor (20 credits at level 7).

Assessment includes an examination, based on seen case study (use of Act, Code and reference books permitted); self-evaluation of own practice (2,500 words); direct observation of practice and competency verification report from practice assessor or line manager.

Course summary

This module will allow students to demonstrate:

• Applied knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and related Code of Practice;
• Ability to keep appropriate records and to provide clear and reasoned reports in accordance with legal requirements and good practice;
• Skills necessary to obtain, evaluate and analyse complex evidence and differing views, and to weigh them appropriately in decision-making;
• Successful completion of SWAM7005 meets part of the requirements for an AMHP or BIA transcript.