A Section 47 certificate must be completed by a doctor if the person is assessed as lacking capacity to make decisions regarding their proposed care and treatment.
On the form, the expected duration of loss of capacity should be stated, taking into consideration whether it is expected to be temporary or permanent.
Decisions regarding the proposed care and treatment must be clear and specific. The form should be accompanied by a treatment plan specifying the proposed care and treatment interventions. The plan should also cover general interventions which may be required while in hospital e.g. fundamental healthcare procedures, treatment of infections etc.
The Section 47 form should include the name of the next of kin or legal proxy, with whom the proposed treatment should be discussed.
The Section 47 form authorises the treating team and other professionals (e.g. nurses, Allied Health Professionals, dentists and doctors) to carry out necessary interventions and treatment. The certificate is treatment specific and time limited (usually for up to 1 year). It should be noted that more than one certificate may be required at any one time to cover different aspects of care and treatment.
Please follow link for AWI Code of Practice for Medical Practitioners: Section 47 Treatment Plan