DoLS Authorisation: what happens when it's requested

The local council sends out two independent assessors to the care setting: 

• A Best Interests Assessor
• A Doctor trained in mental capacity assessments 

They check: 

• Does the person lack capacity to consent?
• Are the arrangements necessary and proportionate?
• Are they in the person’s best interests? 

If authorised: 

• A Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) is appointed to support the person.
• Conditions may be added to make care less restrictive.
• The authorisation is time-limited and reviewed regularly.