MCA Unwise Decision — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: A — Section 1(4)
Section 1(4) of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 contains the unwise-decision principle: a person must not be treated as unable to make a decision merely because the decision appears unwise. Capacity concerns the person's decision-making abilities, including understanding, retaining, using or weighing relevant information, and communicating the decision—not whether clinicians agree with its outcome. Section 1(1) introduces the Act's statutory principles but does not state this specific principle. Section 3 defines inability to make a decision. Section 4 sets out the best-interests framework for decisions made on behalf of a person who lacks capacity. Section 5 provides protection from liability for certain acts connected with care or treatment when its requirements are met.
Reference: Department for Constitutional Affairs, Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice, Chapter 2, principle 3 and paragraph 2.10, 2007. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/pdfs/ukpgacop_20050009_en.pdf