Abstract
The son of an 82-year-old patient leaves a message and form for you at reception, asking you to complete the lasting power of attorney (LPA) paperwork for a patient under your care. His message states that they just need a GP signature. You are the registered GP and last saw her 6 months ago for her psoriasis. She has mild cognitive impairment but is not formally diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
Do you complete the paperwork as you are the registered GP? If so, what steps would you take? Would you charge a fee for the work? How would you decide how much to charge? Who else could complete the LPA? When would it be appropriate for a psychiatrist to complete the LPA?
Footnotes
References
1.GOV.UK Mental Capacity Act: Code of practice. Available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-capacity-act-code-of-practice (accessed 17 September 2019) .
2.NHS. Lasting power of attorney. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/end-of-life-care/lasting-power-of-attorney/ (accessed 17September 2019) .