Patient Rights and Responsibilities 

Missouri law gives individuals who receive mental health services the following rights without limitation: 

(1) To humane care and treatment; 

(2) To the extent that the facilities, equipment and personnel are available, to medical care and treatment in accordance with the highest standards accepted in medical practice; 

(3) To safe and sanitary housing; 

(4) To not participate in non-therapeutic labor; 

(5) To attend or not attend religious services; 

(6) To receive prompt evaluation and care, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation about which the individual is informed insofar that person is capable of understanding; 

(7) To be treated with dignity as a human being; 

(8) To not be the subject of experimental research without prior written and informed consent or that of a parent, if the person is a minor, or guardian; except that no involuntary committed person shall be subject to experimental research, except as provided by statute; 

(9) To decide not to participate or to withdraw from any research at any time for any reason; (10) To have access to consultation with a private physician at the individual’s expense; (11) To be evaluated, treated or habilitated in the least restrictive environment; 

(12) To not be subjected to any hazardous treatment or surgical procedure unless the individual’s parent, if the person is a minor, or guardian consents; or unless such treatment or surgical procedure is ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction; 

(13) In the case of hazardous treatment or irreversible surgical procedures, to have, upon request, an impartial review prior to implementation, except in case of emergency procedures required for the preservation of life; 

(14) To a nourishing, well-balanced and varied diet; (15) To be free from verbal and physical abuse. (16) To refuse treatment at any time. 

If you believe any of your rights have been violated, please speak directly with your treating therapist FIRST. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may file a grievance in writing with the person in charge of the agency, Kirk Shelton, LPC. An impartial review of your grievance will be conducted and notification of the review will be sent to you by mail within 30 days of receipt of your grievance. 

All reports are confidential. Individuals are encouraged to report concerns regarding care and treatment.