Mental Health Patient Rights
The role of the Tulare County, Patients’ Rights Advocate (PRA) is to help consumers express their wishes. There is a significant difference between clinical best interest and the consumers expressed wishes. The PRA does not form an opinion of what is right or wrong with a consumers intentions or make a judgment call as to who may be right. The PRA only helps express the consumers’ wishes. At the same time it is the responsibility of the advocate to give the consumer enough information so that they can make an informed decision. The PRA provides information to the consumer (example: “Ethics definition sheet”, Patients’ Rights Handbook, grievance forms, or any resources to benefit the consumer).
The advocate has the right to investigate complaints at any level of the Mental Health Treatment system such as complaints and issues at the Mental Health Hospitals and Hospital Emergency Departments. The advocate does not need a signed consent from the consumer to advocate or attend meetings with therapists, case managers, or doctors regarding their expressed interest. With the consumers’ authorization, the advocate is allowed access to the consumers’ charts and files.
The PRA, along with the consumer, also has the right to get State Community Care Licensing involved in complaints at Board and Care facilities.
For additional information, please contact:
Dennis Wall, Patient’s Rights Advocate
5957 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA
1-800-905-5597