Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)

The Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) is a role created by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. A local council or NHS body has a duty to involve an IMCA when a vulnerable person who lacks mental capacity needs to make a decision about serious medical treatment, or an accommodation move. This could be an older person with dementia or a learning disability. The IMCA will help support the older person to make the decision, will represent their views and should act in the person’s best interests.