California Outlines Patients' Rights at State Hospitals

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Individuals receiving treatment at California's five state-run mental health hospitals are guaranteed a range of rights under state and federal laws, including privacy, dignity, humane care, and access to advocacy services. The California Department of State Hospitals oversees an Office of Human Rights to ensure these patient protections are upheld.

Why it matters

Protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals in state psychiatric care is critical, especially as mental health services face ongoing challenges and scrutiny. This overview highlights the legal safeguards in place to support patients' wellbeing and recovery.

The details

The California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) administers an Office of Human Rights to ensure mental health laws, regulations, and policies for the rights of service recipients are observed at its five state hospitals: Atascadero, Coalinga, Metropolitan, Napa, and Patton. Patients have rights that include privacy, dignity, respect, humane care, access to medical treatment, and the ability to refuse certain procedures. They also have the right to confidential communications, religious freedom, physical exercise, and access to a patients' rights advocate.

• The California Department of State Hospitals oversees patient rights policies that are in effect across its five state-run facilities.