Clients have rights during a voluntary or involuntary admission to a psychiatric facility. See Patients' Rights During An Inpatient Stay.

What is a Patients’ Rights Advocate?

A Patients’ Rights Advocate is a state mandated position that empowers and assists recipients of mental health services to exercise their civil and human rights. Patients’ Rights Advocates represent clients’ interests as defined by the client, as long as those interests are within the bounds of the law and achievable within the advocate’s resources. Advocates do not determine what is “appropriate” for the client or in the client’s “best interest” rather, advocates advise clients about their options, the implications of those options, and assist the client to make informed choices.Additionally Patients’ Rights Advocates monitor mental health facilities, services and programs for compliance with state and federal regulations and provide training and education about mental health law and patients’ rights to mental health providers.

How do I file a grievance or complaint?

Call or write to the Patients’ Rights Advocate to begin the process of filing a grievance or complaint (see contact information below). The Patients’ Rights Advocate can assist you with any concern or complaint you may have regarding Behavioral Health services. Whether you are receiving, or have received services in the past, the Patients’ Rights Advocate can assist you with navigating the problem resolution process in collaboration with the Beneficiary Protection Designee. 

Contacting your advocate

It is always best for the person who has the complaint to contact the Patients’ Rights Advocate. However, a mental health professional, with your permission may contact the Patients’ Rights Advocate. Also, an authorized representative may contact the Patients’ Rights Advocate with concerns and questions regarding treatment and/or rights violations. The Patient’s Rights Advocate will confirm that authorized representative and or provider have permission to act on the client’s behalf.

The Advocate will make every reasonable effort to speak with the client over the phone or in person at a time that is agreeable to both persons. The advocate will review the complaint as received and may ask for additional information so as to better resolve the complaint. The advocate will always fully inform clients of their options regarding any complaint and will not act unless she or he is given permission by the client.