§ 40.1-5-24. Rights and powers of mental health advocate. The mental health advocate shall have the following rights and powers: (1) To communicate privately by mail or orally with any person in treatment. (2) To inspect all records relating to persons in treatment provided that the person in treatment or his or her guardian gives written permission. (3) To take whatever steps are appropriate to see that persons are made aware of the services of the mental health advocate’s office, its purpose, and how it can be contacted. Officials in charge of each facility shall cooperate with the mental health advocate in this respect. (4) To take such actions that he or she deems appropriate to protect the rights of those criminally insane patients included within the forensic unit of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and those previously considered to be within the authority of the interstate compact on the mentally disordered offender. (5) To take necessary action to protect the rights of clients of community mental health centers. (6) To provide legal representation for indigent persons receiving inpatient treatment for substance abuse. History of Section. P.L. 1974, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 341, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 470, § 1.
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