E-LOI #24-018 - Mental Health Patients' Rights Advocate Program

The goal for the patients’ rights advocacy program is to ensure that mental health persons served and caregivers are empowered with the necessary support and education needed to make decisions regarding their next steps in their health care journey when placed on a hold. Patient Rights Advocates are responsible to ensure that persons served are notified of their statutory rights, receive and investigate complaints, as well as advocate on behalf of those voluntarily or involuntarily admitted to Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) designated facilities and non-designated facilities. The program shall monitor facilities for compliance with patient rights laws and provide Patient Rights training and education to mental health providers. It is important that the advocates recognize that the rights and desires being represented are those of the person served. Understanding of the LPS Act and maintaining current on evolving policy and law changes is imperative to serving this population.