Section 276 gives the Department a power to make regulations about dealing with P’s money and valuables where P is aged 16 or over and lacks capacity in relation to the management of his or her property or affairs and is an inpatient in hospital, or a resident of a care home, or any other establishment specified by the Department.
The regulations may permit the HSC trust or the management authority of the care home in which P is resident to hold money and valuables on behalf of P and to spend or dispose of them for P’s benefit. This only applies to money or valuables not exceeding £20,000. For valuables or money in excess of this sum, the consent of RQIA will be required. The Department is given the power under the section to amend this sum by regulations. The regulations cannot give the HSC trust any authority to act in any way that is inconsistent with a decision made by a lasting power of attorney, or court deputy that falls within the scope of their powers and is made in accordance with this Act, or a decision made by an enduring power of attorney in accordance with the Enduring Powers of Attorney (Northern Ireland) Order 1987.