* An authoritative book on one of the most fundamental and contentious issues for health care professionals* Fully updated to include provisions of the Mental Capacity Act (April 2007); the latest policy on advance directives and the impact of the Human Rights Act on such decisions* Provides guidance on the appointment of welfare attorneys to make health care decisions once capacity is lost* Discusses recent cases, including Burke, baby MB, and Wyatt* Written by medical ethics professionals in consultation with the appropriate medical and legal experts and in agreement with the General Medical Council's guidelines