Rights and Legal Issues

This page provides information regarding the legal rights of individuals receiving mental health services. Some of the topics covered are advance directives, crisis planning, involuntary commitment, guardianship, grievances and privacy. This page is targeted to individuals receiving mental health services; as well as family members, advocates, and mental health service providers.

• Action Planning for Crisis, Prevention, and Recovery
  In a crisis, you may feel as if you are totally out of control. Writing a clear crisis plan when you are well, to instruct others about how to care for you when you are not well, helps you maintain responsibility for your own care.
• Involuntary Commitment
• Firearms and Psychiatric Hospitalization Laws Applicable in Maine
• Progressive Treatment Program
• Overview of Confidentiality Laws
• Privacy: Behavioral Health Notice of Privacy Practices Form
• Rights of Recipients
• Grievance Guide for Recipients of Mental Health Services
• Guardianship
  Guardianship is intended to protect and provide continuing care for individuals who are unable to make or communicate responsible decisions for themselves. Obtaining guardianship is a very serious step to take because it significantly restricts a person's individual rights and freedoms. The decision as to whether a guardian is necessary is made in Probate Court.
• SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center
  SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center is a one-stop national clearinghouse for free information about mental health, including publications, references, and referrals to local and National resources and organizations.