Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 Explanatory Notes

Section 79 – Formalities for documents under Part 3

This section sets out conditions that must be met when drawing up documents containing appointments, declarations and revocations. Such documents must be signed by the person making them and the signature witnessed by a prescribed person who must certify that, in his or her opinion, the person understands the effect of the document and has not been subjected to undue pressure. In the case of an appointment, the witness must also certify that in his or her opinion, the person making the appointment understands that information (including sensitive personal information) may be disclosed to the nominated person.

Regulations may make provisions for circumstances where a person making an appointment, declaration or revocation is physically unable to sign a document.

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