Professionals who want to request a deprivation of liberty safeguards assessment
If a person is suspected to be deprived of their liberty in a care home or hospital, the care home or hospital must complete the following form to request an assessment:
Request a deprivation of liberty safeguards assessment
What is deprivation of liberty?
Changes to deprivation of liberty (June 2026)
On 2 June 2026, the UK Supreme Court made an important decision that changes how deprivation of liberty is assessed in health and social care.
Guidance is still developing and there is not yet full clarity on how this will work in practice. Further updates and clarification will be shared as the position becomes clearer.