LAW-40050 - Best Interests Assessor

Coordinator: Laura G Pritchard-Jones Tel: +44 1782 7 33861

Lecture Time: See Timetable...

Level: Level 7

Credits: 30

Study Hours: 300

School Office: 01782 733218

Programme/Approved Electives for 2018/19

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

Description for 2018/19

Best Interests Assessors are responsible for conducting assessments and applications for deprivation of liberty authorisations. This area of professional practice has grown significantly and there is demand for suitably qualified practitioners. This module will prepare you to undertake the role of Best Interests Assessor (BIA) when considering a deprivation of liberty, employed by a local or health authority or as an independent BIA. The module includes detailed consideration of the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and relevant law, guidance and caselaw applicable to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Participants will shadow a Best Interests Assessor conducting an assessment and reflect on the assessment process.

Aims

To prepare students for the role of Best Interests Assessor.

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse and critically evaluate the UK law and policy and guidance on mental capacity: 1,2,3
demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Best Interests Assessor: 1,2,3
critically evaluate the application of the law and leading caselaw to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards: 1,2,3
demonstrate creative engagement with key principles under the Act and the intersection with professional values: 1,2,3
critically analyse and systematically explore the valuse, ethical tensions and dilemmas within the role of the Best Interest Asssessor and examine the effectiveness of the Best Interest Assessor role: 1,2,3
apply knowledge of mental disorders including dementia and brain injury, and social models of disability: 1,2,3
communicate complex issues and arguments in a clear, concise and structured manner: 1,2,3
demonstrate comprehensive understanding of risk and assessment for a Deprivation of Liberty authorisation: 1,2,3
demonstrate critical awareness of the role of the Court of Protection, key personnel including the IMCA and the developing body of case law on mental capacity: 1,2,3

Study hours

Interactive lectures and seminars: 29
Individual discussions with tutor (Face to face and / or via electronic communication): 1
Shadowing: 24
Preparatory course reading 20
Background assignment reading: 181
Preparation of assignment plan 15
Writing assignments 30

School Rules

Students enrolled on the MA: SALPP and on other postgraduate programmes may be admitted at the discretion of the Module Leader. As a stand alone module entrants should have a first degree at 2:2 or above, or equivalent professional qualification or experience. All students taking this module (whether as part of a postgraduate programme or as a stand alone module) must demonstrate either that they are employed by local authority social services departments or health authorities and are subject to the requirements of the professional regulatory body, the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) regarding confidentiality and other ethical matters or must demonstrate access to ethically approved supervision for the shadowing element of the assessment (assessment 2).

Description of Module Assessment

1: Case Study weighted 70%
Analysis of a legal caselaw decision (4,000 words)
A decided case for the Court of Protection or other relevant court will be analysed in terms of its impact on the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) and the role of the Best Interests Assessor (BIA). This will include detailed discussion of related decisions in the context of the framework of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

2: Coursework weighted 30%
Reflective Account of Shadowing (2,000 words)
Students will shadow a BIA in the course of an assessment for a Deprivation of Liberty Authorisation and complete a reflective account of the assessment process. Students will be employees of local authority social services departments or health authorities and as such are subject to the requirements of the professional regulatory body, the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) regarding confidentiality and other ethical matters. Employers will provide the shadowing experience with a senior co-employee already qualified as a Best Interests Assessor.

3: Coursework weighted 0%
Completing a Mock Application form for a Deprivation of Liberty
Students will shadow a BIA in the course of an assessment for a Deprivation of Liberty Authorisation and complete a mock application form for a Deprivation of Liberty Authorisation (suitably anonymised) in respect of the case shadowed. Students will be employees of local authority social services departments or health authorities and as such are subject to the requirements of the professional regulatory body, the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) regarding confidentiality and other ethical matters. Employers will provide the shadowing experience with a senior co-employee already qualified as a Best Interests Assessor.

LAW-40050 - Module Specification School of Law Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

LAW-40050 - Module Specification
School of Law
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences