The
laws governing the treatment of our patients require that
any information about psychiatric treatment is kept confidential.
Staff cannot give any information to friends or
relatives unless the patient specifically requests us to do
so.
Patients are verbally told of their legal
rights at the time of admission, given a written copy of
their rights, and re-advised of their rights each time the
legal classification may be changed.
Patients who are admitted involuntarily
(against their will) may request a Writ of Habeas Corpus
after the first 72 hours of the detention to be heard by a
judge in San Joaquin County Superior Court. The Court may
decided to release the patient or keep the patient in the
facility for further treatment.
Additionally, patients who are required
to stay long than the first three days will have Probable
Cause Hearing before an independent hearing office to
determine if they continue to evidence disability. If none
exists, the patient may choose to continue treatment by
signing a voluntary application to remain in or be
discharged from the facility.
Patients' Rights Advocate
All patients have access to the Patients'
Rights Advocate on a daily basis. Family members and friends
of a patient may also contact the Patients' Rights Advocate
if it is felt that his/her rights have been violated, or you
have other questions regarding patients rights.
The Patients' Rights Advocate may be
reached by calling (209) 468-8676.
