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DoLS — DGM MCQ

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ModerateEthics and lawDoLSDGM

An 88-year-old woman with dementia in a care home repeatedly tries to leave and is prevented for her safety. She lacks capacity to decide residence and is under continuous supervision. Staff ask about legal authorisation. Current medicines include donepezil. What is the most appropriate referral?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards authorisation

Continuous supervision and not being free to leave in a care home for a person lacking capacity may require DoLS authorisation. Care-home setting does not remove legal safeguards, police custody is inappropriate, financial LPA is unrelated, and memory clinic alone does not authorise deprivation. Restrictions must be necessary, proportionate and legally authorised.

Reference: Mental Capacity Act 2005; DoLS Code of Practice