Rights and Discrimination
MENTAL HEALTH LAW GUIDES
The following guides are written by the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee. In 1973 the Massachusetts Legislature established the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (MHLAC) to secure and protect the legal rights of persons involved in mental health and retardation programs in the Commonwealth. The work of MHLAC is carried out by a small staff of lawyers who seek to make full use of the law to ensure that the rights of persons who are or may be regarded as mentally disabled are recognized and protected. The legal staff provides legal referrals, information, and advice to individuals,lawyers, mental health professionals and the general public. MHLAC has updated information in mental health, housing, family, and disability civil rights law. Guides to the following topics are listed below:
BASIC RIGHTS AT INPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES
YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING HOSPITALIZATION AND DISCHARGE
THE RIGHTS OF ADULTS TO MOVE FREELY ON A HOSPITAL WARD
RIGHTS REGARDING HOSPITAL PRIVILEGES
YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING MEDICATION
YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH RECORDS
RIGHTS REGARDING TREATMENT PLANS FOR DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH CONTINUING CARE SERVICES
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE COMMUNITY RESIDENCE TENANCY LAW