What are the rights of a person receiving mental health treatment?

In North Dakota, people receiving mental health treatment have a right to be treated with respect, dignity, and non-discrimination. They have the right to receive informed consent and to be told of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to any treatment before it is provided. They can also refuse to participate in any treatment or clinical trial, including medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). People have the right to make decisions about their own care and to be part of any decision-making about their own treatment. Patients should be informed of their rights before receiving treatment and may also request an advocate who will ensure that their rights are respected and provide assistance in understanding and dealing with their condition. They have the right to a written treatment plan that outlines their goals, the type of treatment they will receive, and any restrictions, such as being asked not to drive or consume alcohol. In addition, they have the right to confidential mental health services, including the use of paper-based or electronic records, and the right to transfer confidential records to another provider if they choose to change practitioners. Patients can also request to have family members or friends present during treatment, or for their records to be shared with them. Lastly, in North Dakota, it is illegal for a mental health provider to deny a patient’s right to treatment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. If a patient feels that they have been discriminated against, they should file a complaint with the North Dakota Department of Health.

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