Your Consumer Rights
As A Washington State Mental Health Consumer
As a mental health consumer, you have certain Consumer Rights in Washington state, guaranteed by law. The ones listed below are for clients who are recieving services as an "outpatient". When you receive mental health care in a hospital, you have additional rights.
You may want to ask your mental health care provider for more information about your rights. Your rights will be provided to you in writing when you request services.
You also have the right to request policies and procedures of the RSN (Regional Support Network) and CMHAs (Community Mental Health Agencies) as they pertain to your consumer rights.
If you feel that your service needs are not being met, or that your consumer rights are not being observed, you may wish to contact the Ombudsman for your service area. They advocate for the consumer, and can help reach a resolution between you and your provider.
Mental Health Consumers have these rights under Washington state law:
- To be treated with respect, dignity and privacy;
- To develop a plan of care and services that meets your unique needs;
- To the services of a certified language or sign language interpreter and written materials and alternate format to accommodate disability consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Access to these services from any of the PIHP provider network is free of charge;
- To use any hospital or other settings for emergency care;
- To refuse any proposed treatment, consistent with chapter 71.05 and 71.34 RCW and to the extent permitted by law;
- To receive care which does not discriminate against you and is sensitive to your gender, race, national origin, language, age, disability, and sexual orientation;
- To be free of any sexual exploitation or harassment;
- To review your clinical record and be given an opportunity to make amendments or corrections;
- To receive an explanation of all medicines prescribed, including expected effects and possible side effects;
- To confidentiality, consistent with state and federal regulations;
- To be informed if the provider engages in research or educational projects affecting treatment and to be able to refuse to participate;
- To make an advance directive, stating your choices and preferences regarding your physical and mental health treatment if you are unable to make informed decisions;
- To appeal any denial, termination, suspension, or reduction of services and to continue to receive services at least until your appeal is heard by a fair hearing judge;
- To receive all services which are medically necessary to meet your care needs;
- To a second opinion from a provider within the Reginal Support Network about what services are medically necessary;
- To be free from any restraint or seclusion used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience or retaliation;
- To know who is responsible for authorizing and performing treatment and the professional status of those providing services;
- To lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman, Regional Support Network, or provider if you believe your rights have been violated. If you lodge a complaint or grievance, you will not lose service, suffer discrimination or be mistreated.
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