Rights Of The Hospitalized Mentally Ill Patient

The mentally ill patient has many rights provided to them by our legal system:

  • They have the right to treated with dignity and respect.
  • They have the right to communicate with people outside of the hospital.
  • They have the right to keep clothing and personal effects with them
  • They have the right to religious freedom.
  • They have the right to be employed.
  • They have the right to manage property.
  • They have the right to execute wills.
  • They have the right to enter into contractual agreements.
  • They have the right to make purchases.
  • They have the right to education.
  • They have the right to habeas corpus (written request for release from hospital).
  • They have the right to an independent psychiatric examination.
  • They have the right to civil service status, including the right to vote.
  • They have the right to retain licenses, privileges or permits.
  • They have the right to sue or be sued.
  • They have the right to marry or divorce.
  • They have the right to treatment in the least restrictive setting.
  • They have the right to not be subject to unnecessary restraints.
  • They have the right to privacy and confidentiality.
  • They have the right to informed consent.
  • They have the right to treatment and to refuse treatment.
  • They have the right to refuse participation in experimental treatments or
    research.

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