The National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990

Under the 1990 National Health Service and Community Care Act any adult aged 18 or over who is eligible for and requires services from the Local Authority has the right to a full assessment of their needs and the services provided should be individually tailored to meet those assessed needs.

The two main stipulations are:

• Everyone who requires services has the right to a full assessment of their needs and to be fully involved in that assessment.
• Everyone assessed who is eligible has the right to expect that the services they receive are tailored to meet their needs where reasonably practicable.

An assessment can be initiated by either a change in need, a change in circumstances or upon a request from an individual and or their carer/advocate for an assessment. This assessment is currently organised by the Local Authority who must arrange for a named Case Manager to be responsible for the assessment and care planning.

The individual has a right to participate in the full assessment of their needs. Others who may contribute could include the individual’s advocate or carer.

A person may be charged for any services provided following a financial assessment although many people will be exempt from charges depending on their legal status [especially under the Mental Health Act 1983] or their level of income.

All plans should be reviewed at least once a year.