What rights to privacy do people with mental illness have?

People with mental illness have the same rights to privacy as those without mental illness. In the District of Columbia, this means that a person’s medical records and other personal information regarding their mental health, as well as the treatment they are receiving/have received, are confidential and protected by law. This means that no one, including family members, employers, or other friends and acquaintances, can access these records without the person’s written consent or a court order. The right to privacy also extends to other aspects of the person’s life, such as the right to keep their mental illness and treatment private. Under the law, no one can be discriminated against or treated differently because of their mental health condition, which includes not sharing their diagnosis with anyone without their permission. This means that no one should be discussing a person’s mental health diagnosis in public, nor should they be denied access to medical care or services simply because of their mental illness. In addition, the right to privacy also includes the right to be informed of all treatments and medications that are being prescribed or recommended to them, as well as informed consent for any treatments or medications being administered. This means that a person with mental illness always has the right to know what treatment is being prescribed, what the potential risks are, and to have a say in their own care and treatment.

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What rights to privacy do people with mental illness have?

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