What Does DoLS Stand For? DoLS stands for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards . It is the procedure prescribed in law when it is necessary to deprive a person of their liberty, a resident or patient who lacks the mental capacity to consent to their care and treatment, in order to keep them safe from harm. The legal foundation sits within the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and is underpinned by Article 5 of the Human Rights Act, which establishes that everyone has the right to libert